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Hiram Powers papers, 1819-1953, bulk 1835-1883

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Series 3: Writings , 1827-1887
(Box 10; 0.3 linear feet)

This series contains writings by Hiram Powers and writings by others. Included here is Powers' "Studio Memorandum," a notebook he kept from 1841 to 1845, which contains dated notations of letters written, receipts and expenditures, business contacts, works in progress, commissions and price quotations for work, comments on problems encountered during studio work, and other notes. Also found are several original poems written by Powers and brief autobiographical writings, such as problems with his eyes and details regarding his arrival in Europe in 1837. Other writings by Powers include an incomplete story titled "Ghost Story," advice for a young sculptor, and directions regarding his sculptures, such as step by step instructions on using tools and directions for handling finished sculptures.
Writings by others include numerous poems written for Powers, many in praise of one of his sculptures. Of note are a poem by President John Quincy Adams, a poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning in praise of Powers' "Greek Slave," a booklet entitled "Occasional Verses by Maunsell B. Field," and poems by Bayard Taylor, Thomas Ball, and Theodosia Trollope. Additional writings in this series include a brief account of Powers' studio by L. L. Barnes, a biographical account of Hiram Powers' life prior to moving to Europe in 1937, and a description of one of his sculptures by Frances Trollope. Other writings consist of a Phrenological study of Hiram Powers' personality, and two writings by unidentified authors which discuss Powers' artwork.
This series has been divided into writings by Powers and writings by others. This series has been scanned in its entirety.
Description Container Select
Writings by Hiram Powers
"Studio Memorandum, Etc.,", 1841-1845
10
26
"Studio Memorandum, Etc.," Transcript, 1841-1845
10
27
Poetry, circa mid-1800s
10
28
Autobiographical Writings, circa 1827-1847
10
29
Writing on Form and Color, circa mid-1800s
10
30
Writings about Prejudice, circa mid-1800s
10
31
"A Ghost Story,", circa mid-1800s
10
32
"Directions to Young Sculptor,", circa mid-1800s
10
33
Directions regarding Sculptures by Powers, circa 1849-1865
10
34
Miscellaneous Writings, circa mid-1800s
10
35
Writings by Others
Poetry, A-E, 1837-1887
10
36
Poetry, F-H, 1837-1887
10
37
Poetry, J-S, 1837-1887
10
38
Poetry, T-W, 1837-1887
10
39
Poetry by Unidentified Authors, circa 1842-1847
10
40
L. L. Barnes, "Mr. Hiram Powers' Studio Florence,", 1865
10
41
L. N. Fowler, "Phrenological Description of Hiram Powers,", circa mid-1800s
10
42
Lizzie Powers, "Life of H. P. 73,", circa 1873
10
43
Frances Trollope, "A Story from Nature,", circa mid-1800s
10
44
Unidentified Author, "Extracts from New Church Messenger,", 1885
10
45
Unidentified Author, "Loose Notes on 'Fasces' in Literature and in Art,", 1859
10
46

Make a Request

  • To request an appointment to view materials, make your selections using the checkboxes and click the "Reading Room" button. Please note, you will receive the full box.
  • To request reproductions, make your selections using the checkboxes and click the "Reproduction" button.