Neoclassicism · Victoria and Albert Museum · O1329271
The Campbell Sisters Dancing a Waltz
Lorenzo Bartolini, 1821-1822
Victoria and Albert Museum · Purchased jointly with the National Galleries of Scotland, with the assistance of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, and Art Fund, in memory of A.V.B. Norman. · © Victoria and Albert Museum, London · V&A API non-commercial terms
- Artist
- Lorenzo Bartolini
- Date
- 1821-1822
- Medium
- Carved marble.
- Dimensions
- Figure group on integral base. Height: 170 cm; Separate base. Height: 92 cm; Separate base. Width: 98 cm; Separate base. Depth: 78 cm
- Era
- Neoclassicism
Why it matters
Carved in marble by Lorenzo Bartolini in 1821–22, this sculpture depicts the Campbell sisters turning together in a waltz. Their linked pose turns a formal portrait into a study of movement, balance and familial intimacy, while the polished stone anchors the fleeting dance in the language of Neoclassical sculpture.