The Sleeping Faun by Harriet Goodhue Hosmer - modeled 1864, carved c. 1870 - 127 cm Cleveland Museum of Art The Sleeping Faun by Harriet Goodhue Hosmer - modeled 1864, carved c. 1870 - 127 cm Cleveland Museum of Art

The Sleeping Faun

carved marble • 127 cm
  • Harriet Goodhue Hosmer - October 9, 1830 - February 21, 1908 Harriet Goodhue Hosmer modeled 1864, carved c. 1870

Harriet Goodhue Hosmer is the best-known female member of a large group of American artists working in Italy during the mid-1800s. She is known as the first female professional sculptor. Among other technical innovations, she pioneered a process for turning limestone into marble. The Sleeping Faun, a depiction of a pointed-eared woodland spirit, demonstrates her mastery of the neoclassical style, which was inspired by the art of ancient Greece and Rome. Hosmer’s playful sense of humor infuses the composition: a half-human, half-goat satyr mischievously ties the unwitting faun’s animal skin garment to a tree stump.

I look (and feel) like this every Monday!  :D

We present today's masterpiece thanks to the Cleveland Museum of Art.  :)

P.S. Do you know what would wake this Faun? A beautiful 2024 DailyArt Calendar, full of beautiful masterpieces!  :)

P.P.S. How many women sculptors can you name? If you need some help, here are 10 great sculptresses you should know! Below you will also find probably the most famous depiction of a Faun—the famous Barberini Faun!