Female figure with torch and sword. Under her foot is the head of Medusa. Commissioned by Tilden-Thurber Company, Providence, Rhode Island, and cast at the Elmwood foundry of the Gorham Mfg. Co.
Christian Petersen archive, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.
Date
1923
Material
Bronze, granite
Dimensions
sculpture: 94 x 34 ¾ x 10 ¾ in. (238.8 x 88.3 x 27.3 cm); pedestal: 26 x 8 ½ x 4 ½ in. (66 x 21.6 x 11.4 cm); stone monolith: 92 ¼ x 49 x 27 in. (234.3 x 124.5 x 68.6 cm); overall: 120 x 102 x 53 in. (304.8 x 259.1 x 134.6 cm)
Description
Female figure with torch and sword. Under her foot is the head of Medusa. Commissioned by Tilden-Thurber Company, Providence, Rhode Island, and cast at the Elmwood foundry of the Gorham Mfg. Co.
Markings
Inscription on north elevation: Dedicated to the memory of citizens of/Newport who served in the war with Spain/a brief war but one where results were/many startling and of worldwide meaning 1898/1925. Inscription on south elevation: CUBA, / USA, / PORTO RICO [SIC], / PHILIPPINE ISLANDS, / SPANISH WAR VICTIMS, / 1898–1902
Provenance / Location
Equality Park, City of Newport, Rhode Island.
Alternate Title(s)
Known locally as the "Liberty Monument."
Notes / Sources
Papers, SC, Box 2 f. 9, Undated clipping "25th Anniversary Reunion" includes plans for sculpture; “…recently erected in Equality Park, Newport, R. I. by Rear Admiral Charles M. Thomas, Camp No. 3, United Spanish War Veterans of that city, was furnished by the Tilden-Thurber Corp.” Commissioned by Tilden-Thurber Corp, Providence, RI and cast at the Elmwood foundry of the Gorham Mfg. Co. The Jewelers’ Circular, Aug. 15, 1923.
Note, an original part of this installation, the sword, is currently unlocated.
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC-BY 4.0)
