Beautiful
as his ideal figures are, he yet excels in his busts and statues of the
great men of his native land. His "Jefferson" and "Franklin" are
wonderful works, and his "Calhoun" is said to be almost life-like. This
last was wrecked on the coast of Long Island on its voyage to America,
and remained in the sea for some time, but being well packed was found,
when raised, to be only slightly damaged by the water.
Mr. Powers has now resided in Italy for thirty-three years. Motives of
economy have controlled his action, for he would gladly return to his
own land did he feel justified in doing so. He has thus stated the
reasons which have influenced his long residence abroad:
Sculpture is universal. The human form is of no country, and may be
studied with equal advantage at home and abroad. The opportunities
of studying it abroad are so immeasurably greater than at home,
that I do not see how it is possible, without great loss, to
neglect them.
1. It is impossible to model successfully without living models;
and in America, in my time, it was almost at the peril of
reputation, both for model and sculptor, that an artist employed
the living model, even if he could procure it.
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