Kiss of Victory, 1878–1881
Sir Alfred Gilbertexpand_more
Marble, wooden baseexpand_more
The John R. Van Derlip Fundexpand_more 76.32
On View in Gallery 310expand_more
Alfred Gilbert's commemorative sculpture "Kiss of Victory" shows a Roman legionary fallen in battle and embraced at the moment of death by the genius or spirit of victory. It is possible that Gilbert began the work as a private memorial to his brother Gordon who had died only months before Gilbert started working on the sculpture. It was designed in Paris, where Gilbert studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts. On the encouragement of his professor, Pierre-Jules Cavelier, Gilbert traveled to Rome, where he executed the sculpture in marble.
"Kiss of Victory" was commissioned by Somerset Beaumont (1835-1921), one of Gilbert's most loyal patrons and friends throughout his career. As a private commission, the sculpture was intended to be seen close up in an intimate space such as a drawing room or entrance hall.
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Details
- Title
- Kiss of Victory
- Artist Life
- 1854–1934
- Role
- Sculptor
- Dimension
- 89 1/2 in. (227.33 cm)
- Accession Number
- 76.32
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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