California by Hiram Powers

Hiram Powers (1805–1873) was an American sculptor during the 1800s. He was born in Vermont and lived in Ohio.  He learned the art of sculpture in 1826 from Frederick Eckstein.   His most famous work is The Greek Slave, which became an abolitionists and Union  symbol (Civil War, North vs South).  Copies of the marble statue appeared in Union state capitol buildings.   Like the Last of the Buffalo, California is a reflection of American history.  It’s an allegorical work where the woman represents Fortune resting on a column of quartz(known to contain gold) while holding a divining rod or miner’s wand.  It’s a piece that is suitable and reflects the Gold Rush and historical origins of Colorado and California.