Peace Monument, (sculpture)

Object Details

sculptor

Simmons, Franklin 1839-1913

architect

Clark, Edward

designer

Porter, David D.

Index of American Sculpture, University of Delaware, 1985

Goode, James M., "The Outdoor Sculpture of Washington, D.C., A Comprehensive Historical Guide," Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1974, pg. 242.

Save Outdoor Sculpture, District of Columbia survey, 1993.

Michael Richman, SAAM curatorial assistant, 1967-1969.

Image on file.

Goode, James M., "The Outdoor Sculpture of Washington, D.C., A Comprehensive Historical Guide," Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1974, G-1.

(On book held by figure of History at the top of the piece:) They died that their country might live (On base, raised letters:) IN MEMORY OF THE/OFFICERS SEAMEN AND MARINES OF/THE UNITED STATES NAVY/WHO FELL IN DEFENSE OF THE/UNION AND LIBERTY OF THEIR COUNTRY/1861-1865 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

At the top of the monument, an allegorical figure representing History stands with her proper left arm raised and her hand holding a book on which she will record the names of the lost Civil War naval heroes. The book is inscribed with the phrase "They died that their country might live." An allegorical figure representing America, leans against History's proper right shoulder, covering her eyes with her proper right hand in her sorrow over the deaths of these naval heroes.

In the middle of the monument, on the western side, is a classically-draped female figure representing Victory. She holds up a laurel wreath with her proper right hand and carries an oak branch in her proper left hand. At her feet, on her proper right, is a baby Mars, god of war, wearing a helmet and carrying a sword in his proper right hand. At her feet, on her proper left, is a baby Neptune, god of the sea, carrying a spear in his proper left hand. This figure group symbolizes Victory acknowledging the sacrifices made by naval forces during the Civil War.

In the middle of the monument, on the eastern side, is a Neoclassical female figure representing Peace. In her proper right hand she holds out an olive branch. At her feet she is flanked by two cherubs. The abundance of agriculture is represented by a sheaf of wheat with a dove on top and a horn of plenty. The educational progress that comes with peace is represented by symbols for Literature, Science, and Art. The base is adorned with spiral scroll-like volutes at each corner. There is an inscription plaque on the western side of the monument. Below the base is a quatrefoil-shaped fountain basin with spouts on each side.

1877

Control number

IAS 77006655

Type

Sculptures-Outdoor Sculpture

Sculptures-Fountain

Sculptures

Medium

Sculpture: Carrara Ravaccione marble

Owner/Location

Administered by United States Capitol Architect of the Capitol Washington District of Columbia

Located Pennsylvania Avenue & 1st Street, N.W Washington District of Columbia

Title

Navy Monument, (sculpture)

Naval Monument, (sculpture)

Art Inventories Catalog, Smithsonian American Art Museums

Topic

History--United States--Civil War

Allegory--Place--America

Allegory--Arts & Sciences--History

Allegory--Civic--Peace

Object--Foliage--Wheat

Figure group--Female & Child

Mythology--Classical--Neptune

Mythology--Classical--Mars

Religion--Angel

Allegory--Arts & Sciences--Science

Allegory--Arts & Sciences--Art

Allegory--Arts & Sciences--Literature

Record ID

siris_ari_22546

Metadata Usage (text)

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