Washington sentinel., 1853-10-16

artists especially, and which refers TO the period
and age at which this statue was made. The
grateful feeling expressed in passing the resolution
forts execution is truly beautiful for Washington
was no longer an object of adulation TO the wor-
shippers OF power: he was without title or office,
and therefore il was pure dedication OF the
heart He was in the prime of life; healthy,
tranquil and happy This concert of blessings
renders the mind and body as perfect as their
ganization permits; and as Washington is dis
tinc in history as the sun is in the universe, he
should be described without shadow or a blem-
ish that may confound him with lesser light
therefore, this statue alone should be the model,
and the time il was taken should furnish the in
scription and age.
Upon my petitionng the legislature, a bill was
passed giving me the exclusive right to cast from
Ioudon's statue for period of seven years. The
motive for this monopoly will be readily under
stood, when il is recollected that so soon this
statue should acquire its just renown, nnumer-
able applications for similar privilege would
speedily degrade il into the same distorted ver-
sions as are circulated of all popular productions
of art. consequently at once availed myself OF
the act ofthe Legislature, and determined, before
any such occurrence could happen, TO place accu-
rate transfers of the work before the public, par
ticuarly in States too remote to be enabled TO
make comparisons with the original. To effec-
tually accomplish this, am obliged 10 solicit the
earliest attention and aid of State and insetntional
governments generally; for this is essentially a
when an unexceptionable authority, nay, almost
Washington himself is ocularly present, such ded-
icaions will not be, as heretofore confined to the
recently departed, or those of local celebrity but
general impulse will inspire States 10 vie with
each other in efforts to place in their midst the
fac-simile appearance of their National Father.
do aot wish il TO be inferred that in obtaining ex-
elusive control over the original statue, artists
were to be debarred from access TO it; on the con-
trary their earnest attention is desired and il is
wish as well a q my dlify tn fan dara 60
clty where the painter or sculptor intends his
work 10 be original Yet, shall necessarily be
obliged TO protect my right as granted by law,
for issuing copies and casts of any size descrip
ton which may be intended to show the design
or execution of Houdon's work.
This undertaking has involved considerable
time and means and from its complication the
stricest artistic skill and attention have been re
quired TO render faithfully, by moulds, every in
tricatc and minute part, without the after use of
the chsel
am about TO erect bronze foundry having
obtained the services of one Of the most eminent
founders in Europe. l intend TO model a statu-
ette one-third the size Of the original statue; /
also submit bust, of my own modelling, which
intend TO cast in bronze and also TO cut in marble
am making preparations to execute statues Of
any magnitude or for any purpose, either in
bronze or marble, having built studio with such
intentions. purpose devoting my whole time
and energies TO the accomplishment Of the object
l here set forth, believing il of the deepest inn
portance TO rescue this admirable statue from OBJ
security, as well as to multiply it, and thereby Sc
cure its pcrpetuty.
Independent of other risks to which this mcnu-
ment is constantly subject it has sustained so much
injury from exposure to change Of temperature,
that there is but little prospect Of its lasting many
years longer. The marble originally was very
coarse, and from constant absorption of moisture
has become SO soft as 70 be easily scraped by
finger nail These facts state to show the urgency
of the case, as well as to make known that shall
not fear, be able to make more than two sets Of
mouds, which will necessarily limit the issne.
therefore deem it expedient to cast in bronze as
soon as possible, for shall not multiply the plas
ter casts beyond the most perfect proofs.
w. ]. HUBBARD. I"
RICHMOND, VA, Sept 17th 1853.