The Discovery of America (sculpture): Difference between revisions
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'''''Discovery of America''''' is a large marble sculpture group, by [[Luigi Persico]], which was assembled in front of the east façade of the [[United States Capitol]] building from 1844 to 1958 and then put into storage. |
'''''Discovery of America''''' is a large marble sculpture group, by [[Luigi Persico]], which was assembled in front of the east [[façade]] of the [[United States Capitol]] building from 1844 to 1958 and then put into storage. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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Revision as of 11:16, 31 May 2019
| Discovery of America | |
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| Artist | Luigi Persico |
| Year | 1844 |
| Type | White marble |
| Dimensions | 486.4 cm × 255.3 cm × 184.2 cm (191+1⁄2 in × 100+1⁄2 in × 72+1⁄2 in) |
| Location | Formerly East Facade of the United States Capitol (In storage), Washington, DC |
Discovery of America is a large marble sculpture group, by Luigi Persico, which was assembled in front of the east façade of the United States Capitol building from 1844 to 1958 and then put into storage.
History
It was commissioned in 1837, modeled in 1839, and carved in 1840-1843. It was exhibited at the east façade of the United States Capitol, from 1844 until 1958, when it was removed and never restored.[1]
After years of protest, in 1958, both Discovery and another statue of similar nature, The Rescue by Horatio Greenough, were removed from the east façade in preparation for the building's extension. They were placed in storage and — without public discussion — never restored.[2]
Description
The statue depicts Christopher Columbus holding aloft a globe as an Indian maiden, cowering nearby, looks on. The depiction of Columbus is very different from the traditional portraits, rendering him as a bearded, hawk-faced and stern-eyed figure clad in traditional Conquistador armour. Usually Columbus is shown in flowing Renaissance robes with an astrolabe or a spyglass in hand to represent his title of "Admiral of the Ocean".
Fate
The statue is said to be in poor condition.[3]
References
- ^ "Discovery of America, (sculpture)". Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture. Retrieved February 14, 2012.
- ^ Fryd, Vivien Green (1987), “Two Sculptures for the Capitol: Horatio Greenough's ‘Rescue’ and Luigi Persico's ‘Discovery of America’” American Art Journal, Vol. 19, No. 2 (Spring, 1987), pg 93.
- ^ Fryd, Op. cit., pg 96.
External links
- Brown, Glenn (2007). "Chapter XX Sculpture". History of the United States Capitol (PDF). Government Printing Office. ISBN 978-0-16-063263-1. (first edition 1903)
- "Statue of Columbus and an Indian girl". René & Peter van der Krogt. Retrieved February 14, 2012.
- 1843 establishments in Washington, D.C.
- 1843 sculptures
- Cultural depictions of Christopher Columbus
- Marble sculptures in Washington, D.C.
- Outdoor sculptures in Washington, D.C.
- Relocated buildings and structures in Washington, D.C.
- Sculptures of men in Washington, D.C.
- Sculptures of Native Americans in Washington, D.C.
- Sculptures of women in Washington, D.C.
- United States Capitol statues
- Monuments and memorials to explorers