An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Indian Combat1868
Edmonia Lewis
A spiraling composition with three intertwined figures, <em>Indian Combat </em>ranks as Edmonia Lewis’s most dynamic and complex creation. Although her Native American subjects typically exist in multiple versions, this example appears to be unique. Of Indigenous (Ojibwe) and African American ancestry, Edmonia Lewis studied at Oberlin College and apprenticed with a sculptor in Boston before moving to Rome in 1866. Her sculptures were readily purchased by patrons on both sides of the Atlantic.
Growing up in her Ojibwe community, Lewis went by a name that translates as "Wildfire."
marble
Overall: 76.2 x 48.3 x 36.5 cm (30 x 19 x 14 3/8 in.)
American Painting and Sculpture Sundry Purchase Fund and Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
Under the warm glow of a setting sun, a breathtaking scene unfolds—an artwork that seems to pulse with living energy. At the heart of this vibrant moment is Edmonia Lewis’s masterpiece, *Indian Combat*, a breathtaking testament to her skill and heritage.
Picture a spiraling composition, where three figures are tightly intertwined, their forms dancing together in a harmonious struggle. This dynamic creation stands apart, unique in its portrayal of Indigenous subjects—each one resonating with a profound strength that speaks volumes about their stories.
Edmonia, with her rich tapestry of identity woven from Native American (Ojibwe) and African American ancestry, forged a path less traveled. She studied at Oberlin College, where her passion for art ignited. In the bustling streets of Boston, she learned the sculptor's craft, her hands shaping clay with the dreams and struggles of her lineage.
The year was 1866 when Edmonia set sail for Rome, a city brimming with artistic potential. There, her sculptures captured the eyes and hearts of patrons on both sides of the Atlantic, bridging cultures through her profound creations. With every piece she sculpted, she told stories that resonated deeply, echoing the history and struggles of her people.
In the swirling forms of *Indian Combat*, one can almost hear the whispers of her ancestors, urging her forward. Edmonia Lewis didn’t just create art; she breathed life into it, leaving behind a legacy that reverberates even today.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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