Choosing of the Arrow — William Henry Brown

ABOUT THIS WORK

A lone figure, nude and poised, stands with a bow, carefully selecting an arrow from a quiver. This bronze sculpture, titled "Choosing of the Arrow," captures a moment of quiet contemplation and preparation. The artist, William Henry Brown, has rendered the man with a classical idealization, his musculature finely detailed, suggesting strength and grace. The pose, with the head slightly tilted and eyes downcast, conveys a sense of intense focus on the task at hand, hinting at the importance of the choice being made. Created in 1849, the work reflects a mid-19th-century interest in allegorical or mythological subjects, often presented through idealized human forms. The bronze medium lends a timeless quality to the figure, emphasizing the universal nature of decision and readiness.

DETAILS

Artist: William Henry Brown
Date: 1849
Medium: Bronze
Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Dimensions: 22 x 11 3/8 x 5 5/8 in. (55.9 x 28.9 x 14.3 cm)
Collection: The American Wing
Culture: American
Credit line: Purchase, Mia R. Taradash and Dorothy Schwartz Gifts, and Morris K. Jesup and Rogers Funds, 2005

LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

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01

Leaf wreath and hair

A small wreath of leaves sits on his head, and loose wavy hair falls past his shoulder. Together they give the young, alert face a classical air.

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02

Raised arm with arrows

On the left, the bent arm and clenched fist rise beside the head, with arrow feathers showing behind the shoulder. The pose suggests he has just drawn an arrow.

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03

Modeled torso

Look at the chest and ribs, where the surface shifts from bright highlights to deep brown shadow. The soft modeling of the muscles makes the bronze feel like living skin.

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04

Shifting weight

His weight rests on the straight leg on the left, while the other leg angles out and that foot touches down lightly. The relaxed stance gives the figure a gentle S-curve.

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05

The lowered bow

On the right, his hand grips the bow while its thin curved tips sweep out into empty space. The slim line is delicate and easy to overlook against the grey.

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THE ARTIST

William Henry Brown

1815–1875

William Henry Brown, known for his silhouette portraits and early photographic experiments, captured the likenesses of figures like John Quincy Adams.

Read Brown’s full story