Mercury and Turtle
1862; carved 1879
Medium
Marble
Dimensions
41 1/2 x 15 x 17 in. (105.4 x 38.1 x 43.2 cm)
Classification
Sculpture
Culture
American
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mrs. George K. Livermore, 1982
Accession Number
1982.442
Tags
About this artwork
This work by american artist Albert E. Harnisch exemplifies the artistic achievements of 1862; carved 1879. American artists of this period were establishing distinct visual traditions while engaging with European artistic movements. Carved from marble, this sculptural work demonstrates the demanding art of stone carving. Working in stone required specialized tools, physical strength, and acute spatial intelligence to transform hard, unyielding material into expressive three-dimensional form. St...