In 1863, Emma Stebbins became the first woman commissioned to create a public artwork in New York City. It's speculated that she modeled “Angel of the Waters,” the centerpiece sculpture of Central Park’s Bethesda Fountain, after her beloved partner, the actor Charlotte Cushman. In letters, Cushman referred to Stebbins as her wife. Cushman wrote that she wore the “badge” of her marriage to Stebbins on her left ring finger. The two fell in love in Rome, where Stebbins moved in her 40s to live in an expatriate community of artists and study sculpture. It was there that Stebbins created “Angel of the Waters.” Read the full story by isaislearninghowtouseacamera at the link in bio. . . . 1- Emma Stebbins's "Angel of the Waters" captured on June 8, 2025 (all photos Isa Farfan/Hyperallergic unless otherwise noted) 3 - A closer view of “Angel of the Waters” in Central Park 5 - Charlotte Cushman (left) and Emma Stebbins circa 1876 (photo Houghton Library via Wikimedia) 8 - The fountain in...