SCULPTOR'S PRELIMINARY MODEL FOR THE STATUE OF GEORGE G. MEADE IN FAIRMOUNT PARK, PHILADELPHIA
c. 1887. Item #6866
Beautiful mounted photograph (103 mm x 142 mm) mounted on a card 109 mm x 165 mm. Back is blank. Light soiling only; largely a fresh image; the back has some discoloration at the edges.
Alexander M. Calder (1846-1923) was a Scottish American sculpture most known for his hundreds of designs contributing to the sculptural decorations, inside and out of the iconic Philadelphia city hall including his sculpture of William Penn that caps the dome. He entered and won the competition to create Meade's bronze statue; it was completed and unveiled in 1887. Meade had been a commissioner of Fairmount Park and had designed many of its walks, drives and bridle paths. Additionally, he was a local Civil War hero, having been instrumental in the Union victory at Gettsyburg notwithstanding all the criticism that comes with a close investigation of that battle--a win is a win. This preliminary work differs from the accepted model in several ways: primarily that Meade's head is slightly inclined and glancing left, as well as the position of his warhorse Old Baldy's back legs and the kepi. Uncommon. Oxford National American Biography.
Price: $175.00