The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1891-12-04

ton and wear the laurels that city ever
holds out an especially cordial and gra-
cious greeting. She wants the best in per-
sons as well as in things, and is liberal in
her desire not only to possess them, but to
bestow on them all honor and just ap-
probation. Chicago was rejoiced year
or so ago to welcome Harriet Hosmer as
citizen, both in her personality as a
woman and in her capacity as sculptor.
For the past half year Miss Hosmer
has been absent, spending the time in
London and Rome. The Queen Isabella
association engaged her, at a cost of
$25, 200, to model statue of Queen Isa-
bella of CASTLE, to be unveiled at the
coming Worlds fair, this statue to be
erected out of doors and overlooking
Lake Michigan. Lacking facilities for
the work in America, Miss Hosmer
journeyed across the water. Chicago
only loaned her, however, for the better
accomplishment of her task, and has dur
ing the interim held both her and it in
interested regard, awaiting return.
On arriving in London Miss Hosmer
went forthwith to the British museum,
where, through the polite courtesy of
Professor Stuart Poole, all customary
formalities were in her behalf dispensed
with, and she was enabled to get at once
to work. Months were spent in prelim-
mary investigation and many were the
old volumes diligently searched through.
Miss Hosmer has crystallized all this
study in her little wax model. This de-
sign represents Queen Isabella as step
ping down from her throne and in the
act of offering her jewels. This action
gives finer play of line and movement
to the statue than could have been Sc
cured from a seated figure. Isabella, too,
is crowned, because it was as queen that
she aided Columbus. The historic cos
tune worn by royal Isabella lends itself
easily and well to sculpture, the flowing
drapery furnishing the long, sweeping
lines which bestow grace and dignity.
The queen in the model wears a side
girdle, and on her breast is the orna-
mented cross which is to be seen in all
portraits extant of her. Miss Hosmer is
pleased and quite satisfied with her
model, and herself says to those who
would like to see it done better, sLet
them try"
Chicago was expecting to welcome |
Miss Hosmer home last month, bringing |
with her the completed design, but her
have been altered and she |
will now remain in Rome until the |
statue, which is to be of heroic size and |
made in bronze, is cast.
AS this statue is destined to attract |
universal attention at the Columbian ex-
position, it may be of interest to read a
sketch of its famous sculptor
Miss Hosmer was born in Watertown,
Mass, so long ago as $780, She was
delicate as child and inclined to lung
trouble, which was inherited. Her
father, who was physician, anxious
for her health, furnished her with boat.
gun, dog and horse, and she, being by
nature active and fearless, soon became
expert in all outdoor sports. These ex-
ercises overcame her predisposition to
physical weakness and won for her
rugged constitution. Miss Hosmer also
rs girl developed great vigor of mind
and a will of unusual strength, as well
rs frank and joyous spirit. Not one of
5he many merry stories told of her romp-
ng schoolgirl days, or of her later defiance
If conventionalities and independence
n manner of living, can be discredited
IS we look into her face today, which,
hough above sixty years old, is kindling
With fun, glowing with enthusiasm, and,
Ibove all, resolute with purpose.
In 1850 it required individuality and
courage for woman to select sculpture
IS profession, and Miss Hosmers early
avs were DAYS of bravery. She innr- |