Edmonia Lewis (c.1943– c.1911) was an internationally acclaimed sculptress of black and Chippewa descent. Growing up in the northern United States, the death of both parents orphaned Lewis and an older brother early in life. Not much is known about her upbringing.

Lewis’ career began during the Civil War. Talented and astute, her earliest sculptures were portraits of contemporary political figures. Lewis refused to remain in a country that denied rights to all minorities. Her 1865 move to Rome facilitated rapid success, and Lewis’ studio became a tourist attraction that was even visited by the Pope.

Edmonia Lewis sculpted a number of marble works depicting black, Native American, Biblical, political, and prevailing female subjects in a lifelike Neo-classical style. Private collectors and churches commissioned her works. Although Lewis returned to the United States for exhibitions, she eventually retired to Europe. Much of Lewis’ work is believed to be lost or held in private collections.