Her Passion

Augusta Savage, Negro Sculptor

Hansel Mieth

1938

Gelatin Silver Print

Overall, Primary Support: 13 1/2 x 10 7/16 in. (34.3 x 26.5 cm); Image: 13 1/2 x 10 7/16 in. (34.3 x 26.5 cm)

Center for Creative Photography

Augusta Savage was an artist that impacted the people around her. Various artists admired her work and work ethic. One of these artists is Hansel Mieth, the woman who took this picture. In the photograph we see that Augusta Savage is smiling up at a figure that appears to be smiling back at her, the “Negro Sculptor”. In this image alone we can see the amount of passion Savage has for sculpting. By taking this picture, Mieth illustrated the connection Savage has with her artwork. Examining closely,  we notice the attention the artist pays to detail. Take for example, the feather-like texture on the young boy’s legs, his hair, the rabbit’s fur and body proportions. Her ability to include realistic objects in her work explains why she was successful during the Realism period. We can also relate the proportions of the boy and animal to the sculptors of Edmonia Lewis, which focused on displaying an accurate representation of  the subject’s proportions. These items add depth to the sculpture, allowing the viewer to analyze and think longer than they would without these things. These elements also reflect the growing skills of artists during the Harlem Renaissance. We can acknowledge their ability to use these skills to address political and social issues during these times, such as denial from white art schools. This piece, along with many others, show that Black people are capable of performing at the same level as the counterparts, despite being denied equal opportunities and education.