By seating Gertrude Stein like a female Buddha, the sculptor captured both her physical likeness and her professional impact on the literary community in this piece. Listen as David C. Ward, historian at the National Portrait Gallery, explains the importance
of body position in sculptures.

This video series, "Explore with Smithsonian Experts," connects students and teachers with the skill and technique of Smithsonian experts who describe their work at our nation's museums. In each short film, experts introduce new ways to observe, record, research, and share, while using real artifacts and work experiences. Supports Common Core ELA standards.

Produced by the Smithsonian Center for Learning and Digital Access and Pearson Foundation.