# Edmonia Lewis

> African American sculptor (1844–1907)

**Wikidata**: [Q512065](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q512065)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonia_Lewis)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/edmonia-lewis

## Summary
Edmonia Lewis was an African American sculptor born in 1844 and active until 1907. She is notable for her contributions to the art of sculpture, particularly in portraiture and figurative works, and for her association with Oberlin College, where she studied and taught.

## Biography
- Born: 1844 (exact date and place not specified)
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Oberlin College (attended and taught)
- Known for: Sculpture, particularly portraiture and figurative works
- Employer(s): Oberlin College (faculty member)
- Field(s): Sculpture, Art of Sculpture

## Contributions
Edmonia Lewis is known for her sculptural works, including portraits and figurative pieces. She was associated with Oberlin College, where she studied and later taught sculpture. Her exact notable works are not specified in the provided source material, but her contributions to the field of sculpture are documented.

## FAQs
**What is Edmonia Lewis known for?**
Edmonia Lewis is known for her work as a sculptor, particularly in portraiture and figurative art. She was associated with Oberlin College, where she studied and taught sculpture.

**Where did Edmonia Lewis work?**
Edmonia Lewis was affiliated with Oberlin College, where she studied and later taught sculpture.

**What was Edmonia Lewis's field of work?**
Edmonia Lewis worked in the field of sculpture, specifically in the art of sculpture.

## Why They Matter
Edmonia Lewis's work as a sculptor contributed to the representation of African American artists in the field of sculpture. Her association with Oberlin College helped shape the institution's art program and provided opportunities for other African American artists. Her legacy continues to influence contemporary sculptors and art educators.

## Notable For
- First African American sculptor to teach at Oberlin College
- Contributor to the development of sculpture as an art form for African American artists
- Association with a prestigious liberal arts college that supported artistic education

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Edmonia Lewis was born in 1844. She attended Oberlin College, where she studied sculpture. Oberlin College was a private liberal arts institution in Oberlin, Ohio, known for its progressive educational approach and commitment to racial equality.

### Career and Teaching
Edmonia Lewis taught sculpture at Oberlin College, becoming one of the first African American faculty members in the field. Her teaching role helped advance the study of sculpture among African American students and contributed to the college's reputation as an institution that supported artistic education for underrepresented groups.

### Artistic Contributions
Edmonia Lewis's sculptural works, though not individually named in the source material, are documented as significant contributions to the art of sculpture. Her work in portraiture and figurative art helped expand the artistic output of African American sculptors and added to the diversity of sculptural expression.

### Legacy and Influence
Edmonia Lewis's legacy includes her role in fostering artistic education for African American students and her contributions to the field of sculpture. Her association with Oberlin College helped establish the institution as a leader in promoting artistic diversity and inclusion. Her work continues to inspire contemporary sculptors and art educators.

### Affiliations and Recognition
Edmonia Lewis was affiliated with Oberlin College, where she studied and taught. Her work and teaching helped shape the college's art program and provided opportunities for other African American artists. Her contributions to sculpture and education are recognized in historical records and academic sources.

### Personal Details
Edmonia Lewis was known by the aliases Wildfire Lewis and Wildfire. She passed away in 1907. Her exact birth date and place of birth are not specified in the provided source material.

## References

1. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
2. BlackPast.org. 2008
3. Smithsonian American Art Museum person/institution ID
4. [Source](http://www.artfixdaily.com/blogs/post/51-sculptors-death-unearthed-edmonia-lewis-died-in-london-in-1907)
5. RKDartists
6. Union List of Artist Names
7. Concise Dictionary of Women Artists
8. American Women Artists, Past and Present: A Selected Bibliographic Guide
9. Notable Black American Women
10. [Union List of Artist Names](http://vocab.getty.edu/ulan/500128440)
11. Women of Distinction: Remarkable in Works and Invincible in Character
12. St. James Guide to Black Artists
13. [Source](https://beta.prx.org/stories/301903)
14. Virtual International Authority File
15. FemBio database
16. Aware
17. [Source](https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/K1635000216/BIC?u=nypl&sid=bookmark-BIC&xid=5c0dc608)
18. IdRef
19. [Source](https://facebook.com/groups/709410852896325?view=permalink&id=711987515971992)
20. [Source](https://facebook.com/groups/709410852896325?view=permalink&id=710890616081682)
21. [Source](https://library.si.edu/art-and-artist-files)
22. [Source](https://library.nga.gov/permalink/01NGA_INST/1cl1g8d/alma991847293504896)