Filatrice by William Henry Brown

Filatrice

William Henry Brown · 1850

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“This bronze sculpture invites you to witness a timeless act of creation. The artist beautifully captures the quiet dignity and focused grace of a woman spinning thread, transforming simple fiber into something useful.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

This bronze sculpture, titled "Filatrice" (The Spinner), captures a woman in a moment of quiet industry. Her pose suggests a timeless rhythm, with her hands engaged in the delicate task of spinning fiber into thread. The artist has rendered her form with a classical elegance, emphasizing the flowing lines of her drapery and the serene concentration on her face. Though made of durable bronze, there is a softness to her features and the way her garment drapes, conveying a sense of gentle movement and focused dedication. This work reflects a broader interest in depicting everyday life and labor during the mid-19th century, elevating a common domestic scene to a subject of sculptural art.

DETAILS
Artist
William Henry Brown
Date
1850
Medium
Bronze
Location
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Dimensions
20 x 12 x 8 in. (50.8 x 30.5 x 20.3 cm)
Collection
The American Wing
Culture
American
Credit line
Purchase, Gifts in memory of James R. Graham, and Morris K. Jesup Fund, 1993
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

Five details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

Filatrice
01

Observe the subtle texture of the bronze, mimicking fabric folds.

02

Notice the spinner's focused gaze and serene expression.

03

See the delicate threads she holds between her fingers.

04

Look at the spindle resting in her lap, ready for more yarn.

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AUDIO DEEP DIVE

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The full narration walks you through Filatrice — the story behind it, the details most visitors miss, and why it matters. Free in the Art Whisper app.

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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.

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