Meet Francis Harwood

Read About the Artist Francis Harwood

Very little is known about Francis Harwood’s birth or training (British, 1726–1783). His first recorded work, a bust of the Roman Empress Faustina at Castle Ashby, England, is dated 1748. Although he was British, he lived for most of his career in Florence, Italy, where he could find a steady supply of people who wanted to purchase his sculptures. Harwood eventually became one of the major providers of sculpture for English aristocrats who were visiting Florence on the “Grand Tour,” a period of European travel during the 18th century when young men learned about the politics, culture, and art of neighboring lands.

Most of his known work consists of copies of antique artworks. His own compositions were created in a style that was similar to the style of the antique works he was copying. He also produced decorative sculptures such as vases made out of colored marble. In 1758, he was commissioned to create sculptures for a monumental arch in Florence, which included an allegorical figure of Aequitas (Equity), a Roman goddess representing justice, fairness, and equality. This commission was a sign that his work had become well appreciated in Italy at the time.

Questions

Write or discuss your responses.

• How did antique artworks influence Francis Harwood’s style for sculptures?
• Why do you think Harwood moved to Italy from England to be a sculptor?