Washington Monument - 2

(see previous post)



The pedestal and equestrian Washington are in the center a platform reached from four sides by 13 steps (13 original states). At the four corners of the platform are fountains, representing four rivers - the Hudson, Delaware, Potomac, and Mississippi. The rivers are guarded by American animals and served by allegorical figures of Native Americans set amidst native flora and fauna.

To my mind, these fountains with their symbolic river figures and guardians are the most interesting and accessible aspects of the Washington Monument. A sampling ...

River Fountain

Fisherwoman

Elk

 

Moose

Bear

Bison

There is still much to be discovered, and photographed, in the monument, so I will probably return to it in the future.

Washington Monument - I

The city fathers of Philadelphia were embarrassed in 1824 when they were unable to show the visiting Marquis de Lafayette a single memorial to George Washington.

The Society of Cincinnati of Pennsylvania (an organization of descendants of officers who had served under Washington) began to raise money for a monument as early as 1810. Eventually the Society raised an estimated $250,000 (an enormous sum in the 19th century), and contracted with the well-known German sculptor, Rudolph Siemering. The monument was unveiled in 1897 at an entrance to Fairmont Park. With the completion of the Franklin Parkway, it was moved to its present location in Eakins Circle in 1926.

Washington Monument (Eakins Circle)

Washington Monument - Ericsson Fountain in foreground

Washington Monument - Museum of Art in background

At the top of the monument, General George Washington, in the uniform of the colonial army, is mounted on horseback, leading his countrymen and women in the battle for independence.

George Washington

George Washington (detail)

The equestrian Washington is on a high granite pedestal. The iconography of the pedestal is complex, and for modern viewers unaccustomed to getting their history lessons in a visual, sculpted medium, may be a confusing jumble that conveys very little. In what follows, I have just a sampling of the "message in the medium."

Two allegorical figures are on the front and back of the pedestal. On the front is an allegorical figure representing America. She has a cornucopia in one hand and a trident in the other. Chains have been cast off and she receives from her sons the trophies of her conquest. Below "America" is an eagle supporting the arms of the United States.

"America"

"America" - cornucopia (l) - olive branch of peace (r)

On the back side of the pedestal, America rouses her sons to a sense of their slavery.

"America"

More with the next post.

Presidents on Presidents' Day

Statuary honoring presidents is scattered across the city, and I have barely begun to discover it.

In the city which cradled the United States, it is no surprise that the most monumental honor goes to George Washington. The Washington Monument holds center stage in Eakins Circle, at the foot of the steps of the Museum of Art.

The large and complex monument of bronze and granite is 44' high. Washington, soldier and statesman, gazes down Benjamin Franklin Parkway to City Hall at the other end - capped with the statue of William Penn, city founder and Quaker pacifist.

"Washington Monument" (1897) - Rudolph Siemering

The size of the monument makes it a challenging subject for the photographer. Its many elements make it a feast for the camera lens. I will return to it again. For now, details of the main figure, George Washington.

Washington Monument - detail, Washington mounted

Washington Monument - detail

In terms of stature and place in history, Garfield is at the opposite end of the spectrum from Washington. He was not an outstanding soldier, congressman, or statesman, and his presidential term was cut very short by an assassin. But the commission for his statue was given to Augustus Saint-Gaudens who gave the "James A. Garfield Monument" (1895) charm and accessibility. (Located on Kelly Drive south of Girard Avenue Bridge)

"James A. Garfield Monument" (1895) - Augustus Saint-Gaudens

Garfield Monument - detail

Garfield Monument - detail

Ulysses S. Grant has not been judged as a president with the greatest of kindness, but he was well liked by the public during his presidency, and admired through his life for his role in the Civil War.
His monument at the intersection of Kelly Drive and Fountain Green Drive was a collaboration between Daniel Chester French and Edward C. Potter, the latter noted for his modeling of horses.

General Ulysses S. Grant Monument (1897) - Daniel Chest French & Edward C. Potter

General Ulysses S. Grant Monument (1897)

General Grant Monument - detail