Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1871-10-06
The Lincoln Statue In Philadelphia

THE statue uncovered yesterday in Fair
mount Park, is hot only monument to
commemorate the services of a great man,
but it is a work of art that will either be
source of pleasure or an eyesore to every
visitor of the park for generations to
come. The eff1gies of Mr.. Lincoln that
have hitherto been set up are well cslcu
lated to excite apprehensions with regard
to any further attempts in the same line.
In Union Square, New York, there Is a
fearful and wonderful affair which is evi-
IDENTIFY intended to represent "Ol1 Abe
with couple of bottles of champagne,
more than he could well c5rry, inside of
him, balancing himself between his heels
and toes and trying to deliver an sfter-din-
ner speech. This may seem to be harsh
criticism, but any one who has seen the
work in question will freely acknowledge
that it is true, and that the statue is dis
gusting burlesque that deserves only one
fste-a speedy consignment to the melt
ing furnace. In view of New York's fail
ure to obtain statue of Lincoln that wo-
men and children might gaze at without
alright, not little anxiety has been felt
as t. the probable success of Philadel-
phia's effort to honor the memory of the
mar yr President, and there was general
| feeling of relief when the unveiling yes
| terday disclosed the fact that s.r Ran
dolph Rogers statue was not a monstrOs-
| ity. Mr. Lincoln was homely in features,
angular and ungainly in p rson, AMI any
thing but promising subject for artistic
treatment. 1t is obvious, however, that q
portrait of any kiud that would soften
| down the angularities and gainliness
which were so character site of Mr. Lin
coins outward seeming woUld not be &C.
ceptable, ana the problem for au artist
who undertakes to represent him is 10
preserve the marked pecul arilies of his
face and figure, wi hout burlesquing them
and at the same time 10 make the nObls
soul and kindly dispo,ition of the mar
shine out from the hOmely face and filure
The very difficulties of the subject ought
to be stimulsnt 10 a sculptor of real gen
ius, and 1t certainly is not impossible &c
model a statue of Mr.. Lincoln that will bt
distins i;hed by the most noble artistic
quail les.
Mr.. Randolph Rogers statue, which wal
uncovered yesterday, is good--in compar
ison with similar attempts in the same
line that have preceded it. it msy be pro
Hounced very good. The head is strong
characteristic, and unh4ttered likeness o
Mr.. Lincoln, and we have no hesitation II
pronouncing it decidedly TIE best We have
seen-supeIior even to the bust of Mrs
Ames in the Academy of Fine Arts col
lection. 1t Is doubtful whether this heaC
could be improved in any way, as it seeml
TO possess all the qualities we have Tigh
to look for-fidelity and nobility. The
figure, which is seated in ornamental
curule chair over the back of which
cloak is arranged as drapery, also posses
ses very great merit, and Is not an un
faithful representation of the person O.
Mr.. Lincoln. The weakness of the statue
is in the attitude, which is theatrical; or
in other words, strained and artificial A
scroll representing the Emancipation
PROCLAIM 4tion is thrown over the lef
knee, and is held by the left hand; tht
right hand, holding the pen, is raised il
the air, and the head is thrown up-thC
ca, we suppose, being to indicate tn,
President invoking the blessing of HEAVIER
upon the act he has just performed. Thert
is no real movement, however, in the fig
uTe, and the attempt 10 represent
moment of motion gives the whole
work the artificial appearance we hav,
mentioned. A statue like this ought t
be viewable from every point of view, bu
in fact it is only from the west side, where
the stand was located yesterday, that /
really looks well. The work would hav,
been much better If the right arm haC
been represented as resting lightly on the
arm of the chair, aud If the Leneral pos
of the figure had been so managed tina
the lines would fall into harmony whe1
the figure is viewed from the front or tn,
east side. Taking the work ss n whole, /
is highly creditable-but certainly not
grs sai-periormance, such as it would havl
been had the eGtirs figure possessed tn,
artistic merits of the head. II is, howev
or, immeasurably superior TO any statue o
Mr.. Lincoln that has yet been made, anC
II will be genuine ornament to the park
The site selected for the monument Is al
excellent one and enables the statue TO b,
seen 10 advantage from every point o
view. The pedestal is tasteful and appro
pirate, but why, may we ask, did not tn,
individual who cut the inscriptions put il
some punctua ion marksY
The celebration yesterday was a gran,
affair, and in every way worthy OF the oc
oasion. The people of PHILADELPHIA
turned out el Aaasse 10 do honor 10 th