Artwork
The Greek Slave
The Greek Slave is a print by the Impressionist artist George Baxter. It dates from 1854 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This 1854 print depicts Hiram Powers's sculpture 'The Greek Slave' as it was displayed at the Great Exhibition. Created using the Baxter process, it features a gold-bordered, dome-topped image.
Subject & Meaning
The print shows a life-sized marble statue of a nude woman standing on a pedestal draped in red fabric, with her hands bound by chains. The statue's pose and setting evoke a sense of captivity, contrasting with its classical beauty.
Technique & Style
The print's artist used soft lighting to emphasize the statue's smooth skin against the dark red curtains, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. The Baxter process allowed for a richly detailed image, capturing the intricate textures and colors of the sculpture's display.
Context
The print captures the sculpture's presentation at the Great Exhibition, where it was displayed to a large audience. The surrounding crowd, dressed in old-fashioned clothes, adds to the sense of a historical event.
Artist & collection
Artist
George Baxter (1804–1867) was an English artist and printer based in London. He is credited with the invention of commercially viable colour printing. Though colour printing had been developed in China centuries before,…
