Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1886-02-03


ter al Paris,l
One of the most remarkable designs which
has been executed in Rome, was recently
shown privately to few persons previous
to its departure for the United States. 1t is
the work of distinguished American sculp-
tor who, desiring his effort to be Judged en-
tirely on its merits, unipfuenced by his
name and fame, has chosen to remain in.
cognito in the competition that is To take
place at Washington, d. c., and of which it
will probably form no inconspicuous part.
The design is for an equestrian monument
to General Robert E. Lee, TO be erected in
Richmond, Va, and for which several re-
peated and unsatisfactory competitions have
already taken place.
The model, which has now gone forward
under the motto of"Firgnia,' is in the form
of an exquisitely designed ARCHITECTURAL base,
square in shape and diversified with grace.
full columns iD half relief. Rising from the
centre of this is q short, Huted column or al
tar piece, SO to speak, placed upon smaller
base, and decorated with bevy of beautiful
childish figures supporting circular shields
representing the eleven Southern States, and
occupying spaces between them. The
column is surmounted by a colossal female
figure, typifying the Genius of the South,
with one hand resting upon the plow, while
the other is extended forward as if ready to
crown the warrior whose name she delights
to honor.
Projecting from the front OF the principal
base is an extension Of some height and
style Of architecture, bearing upon it the
or nf of
arrests the attention of the beholder as q
striking and origina! conception. The
horse aud rider, though united in manner
such as only man skilled in horsemanship
could conceive of, seem to divide the honors
with each other in the contrast of express
sion created by the sculptor. General Lee is
shown as sitting erect and looking intently
toward distant point Of interest, but yet
calm aud strong and seIfpoised in his
conscious knowledge of the situation.
The horse, on the contrary, wEile repre-
sentvd as obedient to the viii! Of the master.
aud awaiting the signal for action, is step.
ping slowly forward, but reaches bis head
alotit and toward the pOiut ii danger, ndi-
eating by his diIated IostIils and wild
esgerness of eyes that he scents the battle
aiar oil. 1t Is i portrait of an ami
NAL in full sympathy with his rider, and
yet teeming with excitement and impa-
tience to participate in the event about TO
transpire. The conception of the whole is
superb one, full Of the lofty dignity of
character belitting the original, and has its
high artistic quality of expressing the stroug
emotion both of the rider and his steed with
out resort to the too frequent necessity OF
violent physical action.
On the sides Of the base beneath the horse
and rider are two admirable groups One
of these represent the Fates.
The central figure is weird looking old
woman spinning, with her distafl, the mys-
terous thread of human life, which one of
the subordinate and reclining figures is
awaiting the opportunity to clip. The other
figure is turning the leaves OF record as if in
search for some indication Of future events.
The opposite and counterbalancing group
shows History as the chief figure, leaning
in graceful pose toward the tablet, upon
which she is inscribing the name of Lee,
while Glory and Sorrow sit on either side as
her companions. The front Of the base is oc-
cupied by q single figure of Victory, idly
holding the useless wreaths which she was
not permitted by fate TO bestow, and looking
sadly upward toward the hero she would have
crowned. There are several inscriptions OF
au appropriate NATURE upon Iue uouuueut,
the most prominently placed of which is
the one: 1--WE will turn our swords into pow-
shares" Indeed the entire sentiment and
expression of the design, except the repre-
sentation of Lee in military costume, are
emblemalic of peace, and in full recognition
of the fact that the civil war is a thing OF
the past, and that the sphere of action for
the future exists in united aspiration and
effort, to the end that America may fulfill
her destiny as the greatest nation Of gene.
rations to come.
The conception and execution of this re-
markable design are of such entire unity
that it would be difficult to conceive of an
omission or an addition, even of minor
nature, which would not mar its entirety.
So complete is it in this respect, that the
distinguished archaeological painter, Mr..
Alma Tadema, now in Rome, after viewing
it said: 1t is one of the purest and noblest
examples of modern monuments that have
ever seen"-a tribute which, from such q
source, is valuable as frank recognition OF
the attainments made abroad by an Amer.
;ean artist