Who painted Statue of a Woman with Crown of Stars, Great Exhibition 1851?

Statue of a Woman with Crown of Stars, Great Exhibition 1851 was painted by Nicolaas Henneman in 1851.

Where can I see Statue of a Woman with Crown of Stars, Great Exhibition 1851?

Statue of a Woman with Crown of Stars, Great Exhibition 1851 is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Statue of a Woman with Crown of Stars, Great Exhibition 1851?

Statue of a Woman with Crown of Stars, Great Exhibition 1851 is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Statue of a Woman with Crown of Stars, Great Exhibition 1851

Nicolaas Henneman , 1851

Statue of a Woman with Crown of Stars, Great Exhibition 1851 is a photographic photography by the Impressionist artist Nicolaas Henneman. It dates from 1851 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This 1851 photographic negative, produced on waxed paper and left unmounted, records a sculptural work that presents a female figure crowned with a series of stars. The image is rendered in monochrome, with gentle illumination that avoids stark shadows, and a neutral backdrop that isolates the statue for clear observation.

Subject & Meaning

The sculpture portrays a woman standing on a circular plinth, dressed in a flowing robe that conceals her form. Her arms are folded across her chest, and her countenance is calm, suggesting a contemplative or allegorical presence. The star‑adorned crown may allude to celestial or divine attributes, reinforcing the figure’s elevated status.

Technique & Style

The photograph captures the statue with a soft, even light that highlights the smooth surfaces of the presumed stone or marble material while minimizing texture contrast. The composition centers the figure against an unadorned background, emphasizing form over decorative setting and lending the image a restrained, elegant quality.

History & Provenance

Created for the Great Exhibition of 1851, the negative reflects contemporary interest in documenting the event’s artistic displays. The photographer is identified as Nicolaas Henneman, whose work contributed to the visual record of the exhibition’s diverse exhibits.