Sursum, marble, modeled 1864, cut 1866

Sursum, marble, modeled 1864, cut 1866

After Ney established the original Formosa studio in Madeira, she modeled this sculpture using two boys living on the island as models. The statue was originally titled Genii of Mankind, but later retitled Sursum, the Latin word meaning “to uplift.” Using this term to reference her belief that mankind could aspire to greater heights, “SURSUM!” became her own motto. The boys hold a torch and a key, symbols of knowledge and optimism.

Ney, Elisabet, 1833-1907

Elisabet Ney Museum: https://www.austintexas.gov/department/elisabet-ney-museum

1866

For permission to reproduce, please contact the Elisabet Ney Museum: https://www.austintexas.gov/department/elisabet-ney-museum.

Physical Object

Sculpture

Marble

JPEG

Sursum marble 1866 FRONT view.jpg

Sursum marble 1866 RIGHT side view.jpg

Sursum marble 1866 FACE detail.jpg