Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1850-01-25
CrawfOrd's Model Of Monument 10
Washington.

Washington.
The State of Virginia has appropra ed one
hundred thousand dollars for a monument tc
Washington, to be placed at Richmond, and
has opened competition among artists for the
work. The plans and models are to be sent in
as early as January 9Th, 1850 Among the
competitors is The eminent sculptor, Mr.. Craw.
ford, who has been passing the last few months
in Boston. The model which he has prepared
has been seen and admired by many Of our cit.
lzens. 1t is scul ulptural rather than architecture
a in its character, but ful6s to a remarkable
degree the idea Of a commemorative monument.
IL Is composed of an equestrian statue OF
| washington IN bronze, surrounded by other
statues in bronze. 1t stands on platform, pre-
senting twelve fronts, which answers the double
purpose OF sustaining the monument. and OF
anording promenade to those whom curiosity
may lead TO examine the various Inscriptions
and statues with more attention than distant
view would allow. An easy flight of steps con-
ducts to this platform. Out of this rises base
somewhat novel in its character, having for its
ground floor the fam Of star Of sir 10 MIS-
which rests on the platform. This is richly
ornamented with various mouldings. The SUI
perlor or upper moulding is carved so as to con
vey the idea of a laural wreath, embemac of
the glory of Washington. Its Introduction as
en- ornament to the base assists greatly in pre-
serving the harmony of effect, so desirable in
work of this description.
One Of the star base rises structure of an
octagonal form, composed oftwo distinct parts
or stories, The lower portion of which is devot
ed to inscriptions. On one of the sides is plac-
ed in bas-rcef the shield of Virginia. encrcled
by a wreath of laura and oak, embcmatc Of
the military and civil men of the State. It also
OG hlp 70 tho
statues surrounding it. These statues, which
are an important feature of the monument are
SIX in number. and stand upon pedesials, so ar
ranged as to face the points OF the star. They
are intended to represent the most eminent men
OF Virginia. or, ii may be, of the whole country,
during the revolutionary period. The costume
OF 1776 is strictly followed as being absolutely
essential in historical point Of view. They
stand in various attitudes, and indicate by their
action the orator, the soldier, the statesman.
The upper part Of the structure is enriched
by boldly projecting cornice, supported by
eight nsuar fasc'S instead of columns, The
artist has selected the tasces as being emblem
attic of Justice. and particularly appropriate to
the character of Washington. Between these
are panels intended to contain the names of the
illustrous men Of our country. The two large
side panels are intended for the name of WASH
ngton alone.
The structure which we have thus described
with its two stories, standing on a star. is de-
signed as grand pedestal for the support of
the equestrian group which crowns the monu-
lnent. This group represents Washington on
horseback The point Of time chosen BY e
artist is just previous to battle, and while t ie
American chiet is addressing his army His |
right arm is raised and extended, not in the act
Of command, but as though he were calmly and |
pleading before his soldiers the !
importance OF doing their duty to their couniry
With his left hand he hodes the bride of his |
horse, whose movement is spirited, but subdned |
so as not to command too much the attention of
the observer The costume Of Washington is
preserved entire this being in harmony with
he statues surrounding the lower part Of the
structure.
If this monument should be executed accor.
ling to the designs Of the artist, the statues at
the base would be nine feet in height, and the
Iroup of Washington on horeback fifteen feet
The entire height of the monument would be
between fifty and sixty feet. and its diameter a.
he platform fifty feet. The statuarv is all to
)e of bronze of rich coler, Gliding is TO b.
Introduced upon the ornaments. The platform
md the structure upon il, constituting the base
md pedestal, are to be of marble or granite, or
1 combiRatiun of both.
Mr.. Crawtords previous works have already
'laced him among The first artists of the age
Bat he has done nothing which shows higher
genius in his art, or wider knowledge of lis ca.
pacitcs, than the model which we have now
described. a monument to Washington, fin
shed according to this conception, will take its
place among classical works of art 1t will BE-
unique, suggestive, and, in artistic character.
truly worthy Of the great man it viii conmem-
Jraie.
The preceding notice appeared in the Boston
Transcript. Mr., Crawford has gone to Rich
nond with his model, to await the decision OF
he judges appointed to select from among the
models that may be submitted.