Model for the Genius of Connecticut, (sculpture)

Object Details

sculptor

Rogers, Randolph 1825-1892

Save Outdoor Sculpture, Connecticut survey, 1993.

Index of American Sculpture, University of Delaware, 1985.

Image on file.

(On north side of base:) MDCCCLXXVIII (South side of base:) MCMLXXXVII (Plaque on front of statue reads:) "As the plans for the new Connecticut State Capitol/progressed, this plaster model of the Genius of/Connecticut standing 17 feet, 10 inches tall was/commissioned on September 7, 1876 and completed/in Rome in 1877. "A bronze statue was cast from this model in Munich,/Germany and the 6,600 pound statue was placed/atop the Capitol Dome in December 1878. The hurricane/of 1938 severely damaged the bronze Genius making/its supports so unstable that it had to be removed." "At the start of World War II, as an example of/patriotism to the citizens of Connecticut, Governor Robert/A. Hurley donated the bronze to the war effort. The/plaster model was displayed in the North Lobby until/1973, when it was restored and moved to the Rotunda." "As part of the complete restoration of the Capitol in/the 1980's, this statue was refurbished with a bronze/finish, gold leafed at the dome and placed on a new/marble base in the North Lobby in 1987."

unsigned

The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.

Summary

A winged female figure stands barefoot on a semi-spherical plinth, which rests on a marble base. The figure is dressed in a flowing classical gown and crowned with an oak wreath symbolizing strength. She holds a laurel wreath in her upraised proper right hand and a wreath of immortelles in her raised proper left hand.

Commissioned Sept. 7, 1876. 1877

Control number

IAS 75001711

Type

Sculptures-Model

Sculptures

Medium

Sculpture: gilded and bronzed plaster; Base: marble

Owner/Location

Administered by State of Connecticut Office of Legislative Management Legislative Office Building, 210 Capitol Avenue Hartford Connecticut 06106

Located Connecticut State Capitol 210 Capitol Avenue North lobby interior Hartford Connecticut 06106

Art Inventories Catalog, Smithsonian American Art Museums

Topic

Figure female--Full length

Fantasy--Winged Being

Allegory--Quality--Excellence

Study

Record ID

siris_ari_4376

Metadata Usage (text)

Usage conditions apply