Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1850-02-08
VIRGINIA WASHINGTON MONUMENT

I VIRGINIA WASHINGTON MONUMENT.
We promised yesterday to lay before our readers
fuller description Of Mr.. Ctawlord's model, which had
been accepted by the Governor, Executive Council and
Commissioners, under the laws of the land and in full
view of the responsibilities thrown upon them. Last
fall, the Comnsslont acting under the control OF the
Governor, publ shed an advertisement in the papers,
| North and South, far and wide, offering premium of
$500 for the best plan which would be approved by the
COMMENCEMENT the first of December was fixed
upon as the limit tor the reception of the plans. For
good reasons and to allow more time for the art of the
country to present itself, the time subsequently
tended to the 9th OF January On that day, and at nu-
merous meetings since, down to the present time, the
Governor and Commissioners have been anxously and
labonousy engaged in examining the ixtytour plans
with their descriptions estimates, testimonials, &c. On
Friday last they ended their deliberate examination, and
selected Mr. Crawiords model They went yet farther
and to meet the provisions OF the Code which does not
go into effect until the first of July they submitted their
selection the Executive Council who acquesced in it.
The Monument itself we cannot better describe than
by introducing here the letter OF Mr.. Crawford offering
this model for competition under the advertisement OF
the Go mmssloners.
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA, January I, 1850.
To has Erceency the Governor Of Virginia. and to the
Commissioners Of the Washington Monument.
Gentlemen: Preparatory 10 entering into any descrp-
ton OF my design, beg leave to that it is in the
artistic OF the word sketch that is say, the
general effect of the whole Monument has been aimed
at without entering upon minute any farther than was
absolutely necessary to convey impression re-
garding the intention of the artist Should the design
meet with the appreciation of your Exceency and the
Commissioners then remains for TO perfect as tar
as lies in my power, every portion of the work. The
stauary for example, would then receive in the process
OF modelling in large, all that attention to portraiure
and finish SO ad mlraby displayed in the work by ou-
don, now IN the rotunda OF the Capitol. The horse
would require series OF studies, the importance OF which
fully acknowledgements do not pretend to Of
Ter in my design anything more than simple resem-
blance to the animal.
MATERIALS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION THE MONUMENT.
The platform, first base, to be OF Virginia granite.
The stone base, and the entire structure rising from it,
TO be OF Virginia marble, white and OF the purest qua
lily.
The statues and the equesterian group to be wrought
in bronze, OF rich and beautiful color, the effect OF
which would be greatly increased by the proper intro
duction Of gold upon various parts of the costumes
Iconsider bronze preerabe,i point of durability to
marble it also allows greater freedom to the artist In
the composition OF the statues and in obtaining pri-
ted and unimpeded action for the equesteran group
The perfection to which casting in bronze has been
broue in the present day. has given it the preference
throughout Europe TO marble or any other material Tor
unenclosed monuments.
sTATUARY OF THE MONUMENT.
Five OF the statues upon the base OF the Monument
intended representations OF that number OF the
most distinguished men OF Vrgina-the selection OF the
subjects worthy OF the honor, OF course leave to the
consideration OF the Commissioners, suggesting, howe
ver that two OF the five at least, should be of militia
ry character in order maintain the general effect and
= harmony OF the Monument The sketches here given
will explain this more fully The sixth statue designed
asembematc of Virginia, and illustrates the motto upon
its pedestal Let there be light" The elevated torch is
an indication Of this-her left hand is pointing TO
broken emblem OF tyranny al her feet expressive OF
the advance of liberty and the diffusion of knowledge
This statue can be placed according the Commits
soners may require either the opposite point, which
consider to be the front OF the Monument because the
face OF Washington turned in that direction in the
place itnow occupies.
COSTUME OF FIGURES.
Regarding the costumes OF the statues, propose to
follow strictly the dress worn by the pelsonages during
their public duties, and to make Them in every Of
the term, "ull length portraits" The best argument
for this may be found in the opinion Of Washington
when consulted in relation the dress be represented
upon the statue, in your Capitol.
PROPORTIONS OF THE MONUMENT.
The small Inquire upon the steps OF the Monument is
in the proportion OF one inch to twev inches; that is
say, it represents person six feet high; may be moved
will by the Commissioners to any part Of the Designs
and thus enable them, by simple process, Judge of
the relative proportions OF the Monument if wrought
out to the size propose For example any of the
step fronts of the platform would if enlarged to this size,
| be twelve feet in length.
| The statues around the pedestal structure would be
nine feet in height
| The equestrian group would measure from the feet
OF the horse to the hat OF the General fourteen feet
The entire height OF the Monument from the ground
to the head OF w ashngton would be between fifty and
sixty feet.
INSCRIPTIONS UPON THE MONUMENT.
The spaces between the statues with the exception of
the two sides which filled with the arms OF Virginia,
are offered suitable for Inscriptions. An examination
OF the design will make this apparent to the Com
| mlsSl0neTS.
The upper portion of the pedestal structure might have
the pannels each end devoted to recording the
OF eminent civilians and others, whose efforts contrbu-
| ted to the of our national independence.
On the sides OF this portion have placed the of
Washington aone-thls arrangement is not presented
hna but would OF course, follow such revision the
| Commissioners think proper 10 give the subject,
! SITE FOR THE MONUMENT,
1beg leave to suggest the second platform, that is to
| say, the lower one in front OF the Capitol,
| CosT OF THE MONUMENT
Regardngithe estimate Of expenses that would be in
Cured by the erection OF the Monument, can only say
present that my object has been not exceed the
appropriated by the Legislature of Virginia for the
work. am not yet acquainted with the cost of mar
bic or granite in Virginia and, upon information p con-
necon with this must depend the possibility Of making
q correct estimate.
Should my design meet with approval, shall then
be enabled to enter upon statement OF the minute
Eanses in such manner would, hope, give entire
satisfaction your Excslency aud the Commissioners,
/ Time required for the completion of rhe Monument,
six years. commencing February 22d, 1850,
| remain gentlemen
| Win great respect,
| our obedent servant
THOS. CRAWFORD
Mr.. Crawford is an American Sculptor, who stands
| high in his profession and ranks with Powers and
Creenouah not only in this country but i'll Europe.
That he will execute monument worthy ct Virginia
and OF the great Washington, and one that will attract
to our State and city persons OF taste to admire work
OF art and draw new inspiration from the speaking
image OF Washington we feel no doubt. Our high APP
probation OF the model every respect happy stri
king, and worthy of the State is fortified by evidence
which cannot be acknowledgement.
-
Col Thomas H BENTON is placed at the head of the