Caricature of J. H. I. Browere

Dateafter 1827

MediumOil on board

DimensionsSight: 14 3/4 × 19 3/4 in. (37.5 × 50.2 cm)

Object numberN0005.2018

Credit LineCollection of the Fenimore Art Museum. Museum Purchase

Photograph by Richard Walker

Label TextJ.H.I. Browere, depicted as a satyr, is shown attacking a woman by shoving wet plaster into her face, the action is reminiscent of pie-ing someone in the face. The woman is shown being taken by surprise by the action, perhaps also in distress, through her gesture—arms and hands raised in alarm. This perhaps references the rumors which circulated in 1825, regarding Browere’s mistreatment of Thomas Jefferson while taking his likeness—a rumor later disputed by Jefferson himself. The scene appears to be taking place in Browere’s studio, signs reference the artist and his profession, while the tools of his trade—a large pot of plaster—sit on the floor near his hoof. To the right of the composition, a putti, or cupid figure sits on the floor, the traditional tools of sculptor scattered around him along with a classical marble bust. The putti is turned toward Browere and the woman, making a similar gesture to that of the woman, of shock and revulsion, further emphasized by the figure’s facial expression. The inclusion of this figure perhaps symbolizes what many artists at the time felt about Browere’s techniques and the belief that through utilizing his “new” technique he was blatantly disregarding the rich classical past of sculpture as an art form and turning his back on the traditional techniques in favor of his plaster casting method. In the far background, seen through the doorway, two workers enter the scene carrying perhaps sacks of dry plaster. Word bubble between the two indicate they are in conversation, the text reading, “By Gat! I shall make my fortune Hurra for de Plaistoror By Gat!” Textual references throughout the painting help to explain the subject and shed light onto the more negative sentiments felt toward Browere at the time by his fellow artists.

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