NOW
AVAILABLE: The Indomitable Spirit of Edmonia
Lewis. A Narrative Biography, by
Harry Henderson ( co-author of A History of African American Art from
1792 to the Present) and Albert Henderson, winner of the eLit GOLD award:
"Illuminating Digital Publishing Excellence." Independent
Opinion: "The Hendersons’ monument of research and
craftsmanship seeks to give Lewis the consideration that she has been
denied—not dissimilar to the artist’s own commitment to proving her
competitors and critics wrong, demonstrating that a minority could take on the
hegemonic tradition of fine arts. The book provides crystalline accounts of
Lewis’s feuds and mentorships, as well as rich illustrations of the works
being discussed throughout. Overall, the authors deliver a well-constructed mix
of primary resources, critical analysis and literary flourishes." - Kirkus
Reviews. "Thank you so much for your excellent research ... Your
work on Edmonia Lewis will be used for many years to come by scholars, art
historians, art collectors and anyone interested in knowing more about this
outstanding woman" - Dr. Sheryl Colyer. "Lewis’s
story is all at once interesting and sad. Her life, while forgotten for a while
is now making a come back among art historians and this immense work helps to
secure her artistic legacy." Lifelong Dewey "A key
acquisition for any arts or African-American history holding. The authors'
attention to precise scholarship provides all the details of a solid linear
history and biography but the end result is anything but dry: it reads with the
passion and drama of good literature." Midwest Book Review
"A definitive biography" Washington Times ""
- Links Goodreads.
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#Tweet Edmonia Lewis's biographer @andthatrhymeswi
Edmonia Lewis's sworn 1865 application for a passport states her vital statistics:
born in Greenbush, NY, on or about the 4th of July 1844, etc. She probably
prepared it months before she signed it, creating a small but easily resolved
discrepancy between the age of 20 and her birthday in July, which preceded her
actual signing. Greenbush (now Rensselaer) NY did not officially record births
until the 1870s. Similarly, an 1865 Massachusetts census stipulates age 20 as
of May, suggeting to some an 1845 birth.
Note her small stature, only four feet tall.
Her sponsor, merchant Parry Kennard, wrote in the margin, "M. Edmonia
Lewis is a black girl sent by subscription to Italy having displayed great
talent as a sculptor."
This is Figure 8 in The Indomitable Spirit of Edmonia Lewis, A Narrative Biography.
Copyright 2012, it may be reproduced with attribution.