Advanced Search 
Nature Unveiling Herself Before Science
Louis-Ernest Barrias (French, 1841–1905)
French (Paris)
About 1899
Medium/Technique
Bronze with various patinations, some areas silvered or gilded before patination
Dimensions
Overall: 58.4 x 23 x 15.5 cm (23 x 9 1/16 x 6 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Edwin E. Jack Fund
Accession Number1974.413
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsSculpture
Barrias builds on centuries-old traditions by presenting nature as a woman—here shrouded in a cloak, imbued with a sense of mystery. This bronze is a variation on a marble statue commissioned in 1889 to decorate the medical school in Bordeaux. As the title indicates, the shroud is lifted when scientific inquiry reveals previously unknown truths about the natural world. While the belted, flowing drapery is reminiscent of classical dress, the scarab at the woman’s waist hails from ancient Egyptian traditions.
DescriptionBronze with various surface patinations. Female figure, holding silvered veil away from face with both hands; breast and shoulders are naked (and gilt, as are face and hands); drapery under breast held by silvered scarab; drapery flows to bare, gilt feet.
Signed
Signed at the proper left edge of the base “E. Barrias” in script with an underscore line.
Marks
Cold stamp of the foundry inscribed at the inside edge of a circle “SUSSE FRERES EDITEURS·PARIS·” at the proper right edge of the base with a stamped “P” to the right of the circle.
Provenance1974, sold by Michael Hall Fine Arts, New York, to the MFA. (Accession date: June 12, 1974)