Margaret F. Foley Paintings

Margaret Foley was an American sculptor of the nineteenth century, known for her portrait medallions and marble busts. Born in 1827 in Vergennes, Vermont, Foley developed an interest in art at an early age. However, little is known about her early life and education, which is not uncommon for female artists of the period, whose contributions were often overlooked or undocumented. What is known is that she began her artistic career as a cameo cutter in Boston, Massachusetts, which was a rare profession for women at the time.

Foley moved to Rome in 1857, where she joined a community of expatriate artists. Rome was a center for artistic training and production during the 19th century, and many American artists traveled there to study the masterpieces of classical and Renaissance art. Foley became part of a group of women sculptors known as the 'White Marmorean Flock,' which included Harriet Hosmer, Edmonia Lewis, and Anne Whitney, among others. These women were notable for their success in a field that was predominantly male and for their support of one another in their artistic endeavors.

In Rome, Foley's work gained recognition for its fine detail and the quality of her marble carving. She was particularly admired for her portrait medallions, which captured the likenesses and characters of her subjects with precision and sensitivity. Her works were exhibited in the United States and Europe, receiving praise and awards. Despite her success, Foley faced the challenges common to women artists of her era, including limited access to commissions and professional opportunities compared to her male counterparts.

Margaret Foley never married, which was somewhat unusual for women of her time. Instead, she was entirely devoted to her art. She died in Rome on August 23, 1877, at the age of 50. Her legacy is a testament to her skill and determination in overcoming the gender barriers of her time to achieve recognition as an artist. Today, her works are held in various collections and continue to be appreciated for their craftsmanship and contribution to American neoclassical sculpture.