Detail of Nature Unveiling Herself Before Science by Barrias in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, June 2010

Nature Unveiling Herself Before Science

About 1899

Louis-Ernest Barrias, French, 1841–1905 French


Dimensions: Overall: 58.4 x 23 x 15.5 cm (23 x 9 1/16 x 6 1/8 in.)

Accession Number: 1974.413

Medium or Technique: Bronze with various patinations, some areas silvered or gilded before patination


Female figure, holding silvered veil away from face with both hands; breast and shoulders are naked (and gilt, as are face and hands); drapery under breast held by silvered scarab; drapery flows to bare, gilt feet.

Provenance: 1974, sold by Michael Hall Fine Arts, New York, to the MFA. (Accession date: June 12, 1974)

Credit Line: Edwin E. Jack Fund

Text from: www.mfa.org/collections/object/nature-unveiling-herself-before-science-54370