Randolph Rogers (American, 1825–1892)
Nydia, The Blind Flower Girl of Pompeii
INV-2446
Randolph Rogers (American, 1825–1892)modeled 1855–56, carved 1858
Nydia, The Blind Flower Girl of Pompeii
Randolph Rogers (American, 1825–1892) →sculptureamerican arts
Date
modeled 1855–56, carved 1858
Medium
Marble
Dimensions
130.8 × 64.1 × 91.4 cm (51 1/2 × 25 1/4 × 36 in.)
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Location
Chicago, IL
Credit
Bequest of Mrs. Uri Balcom
This statue is based on a character from Edward Bulwer-Lytton’s popular 1834 novel The Last Days of Pompeii. In the episode depicted here, Nydia and her two companions attempt to flee the city after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The three become separated, however, and Randolph Rogers captured Nydia as she gropes her way through the burning city. The broken Corinthian column at her feet symbolizes fallen Pompeii, and Nydia’s clinging garments, entangled in her staff, indicate her chaotic surroundings. Because of its narrative quality, sentimental presentation, and classical features and proportions, this sculpture was extremely popular with the American public upon its first being exhibited.
Also notable
Works in the same vein
The Lost Pleiade
Randolph Rogers (American, 1825–1892)
Sir Hy. Fk. Ponsonby (1825-1892) General; Thomas Hook Pearson (1806-1892) General; Fredrick Markham (1805-1855) General; Taken on the Field, Crimea
Roger Fenton English, 1819–1869
The Raven on the Bust of Pallas ("Perched upon a bust of Pallas..."), from The Raven (Le Corbeau)
Édouard Manet (French, 1832-1883) written by Edgar Allan Poe (American, 1809-1849) translated and produced by Stéphane Mallarmé (French, 1842-1898) printed by Lefman et Cie. (French, 19th century) published by Richard Lesclide (French, 1825-1892)
