Margaret Foley, Sculptor: Irish Women of Massachusetts

Foley's portrait of Cleopatra

Margaret F. Foley

(1827-1877)

Born in Dorset, VT, Margaret worked in the textile mills in Lowell while pursuing her interest in poetry and art, specializing in carving cameos. In Boston she created cameos of opera star Jenny Lind, poet Henry Longfellow, Senator Charles Sumner and abolitionist Julia Ward Howe. In 1861 Foley moved to Rome, Italy and mastered the intricate art of medallions. Her work, including an acclaimed portrait of Cleopatra, were featured at the Philadelphia Centennial Expo in 1876. Her work is on display at the Smithsonian and Harvard art museums.

Margaret Foley is part of BITA's 2019 Irish Women of Massachusetts series in celebration of Irish Heritage Month and Women's History Month.

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