As spring slipped into summer, I continued to ponder whom which queen I should choose as the subject of my sculpture for the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition. Rome emptied at this time of year as people headed for the cool of the Alps or other points north. I remained in Rome, busy making copies of my most popular works and fulfilling commissions of religious pieces for the Marquis de Bute and others, but I spent my free hours revisiting the statuary of Rome, seeking inspiration.

            I had an idea that if I could make another convincing copy of a master’s work, as I had with the Laocöon group, it would build my confidence...

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