Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-12-25

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United States Capitol and
XhH yet almost totally un-
w noticed, stands one of the
most interesting and re-
markable pieces of statuary in America.
Armiess, Needless, defaced and broken
until any accurate conception OF it's
original appearance is entirely out of
the question. this ancient relic has
stood for years in the middle Of the
pathway that leads to little studio on
street belonging to Lot Flannery,
one OF the best known of the old school
OF American sculptors and author of
the first statue of Abraham Lincoln
ever erected-that in front of the city
hall
The graceful posture and the superb
curves Of the ancient sculpture bespeal
the consummate art of the Per1clean age
The story Of the bringing of the
statue to this country, its demolition
by vandal soldiers at White Sulphur
Springs, Va. and it's ultimate placing
in the position it now occupies is one
OF singular interest. Perhaps no other
piece Of statuary in the United States
has so much OF romance woven around
1t. .s-.-.-
1t was originally one OF the statues in
the frieze of the famous Greek Parthenon
an edif1ce whose magnificent beauty wor
1t immunity even from the various bar.
barian conquerors who from time to time
overran Greece and invaded and looted
Athens.
At the time that Lord Elgin, the
famous English art connoisseur and
archeologist. was conducting the re.
moval of the Parthenon frieze to the
lish government. Commodore Boyle Of
the United States Navy. who was then
in Athens. secured the statue and brought
it to the Washington navy yard during
the sos: He presented it to his brother
DR.. Boyle.
The American naval officer, went to
great deal of pains to secure an
authentic history of the marble, but his
best efforts resulted only in bare
skeleton of a few facts. clothed in
ure, was beyond doubt of the original
frieze and dated back many years be-
fore the time of Christ. 1t is Of the
finest Grecian marble, perfectly grain
current among the guides and peasants
of the country concerning this parttcu-
lar piece as well as many others.
DIR. Boyle had the statue placed above
the main entrance of his own hotel and
for many seasons it looked down ON the
wealth and fashion of the newest nation.
as 1t undoubtedly had for ages on the
elite of one of the oldest. Numerous
efforts we're made to purchase It on. the
part of wealthy patrons, but to all DIR.
Boyle pointed, out that the statue was
only in trust with him and referred the
prospective buyers to his brother.
When approached on several occasions
by agents Of wealthy art enthusiasts
with fiattering offers Commander Boyle
declared that there had mot been enough
money minted to buy the lady" And
SO the marble remained in its place above
the hotel entrance until the outbreak OF
the civil war.
Shortly after the first call for troops
number of Union regiments were en-
camped near the White Sulphur Springs
and. as discipline was lax. they came
and went at will through the streets OF
down and then shot bullets into it, To
this day 1t bears the scars and the lead
marks where the heavy bullets tore out a
hole or ripped cash In the side. AT
the close Of the war DIR. Boyle had the
statue removed to this city and again
turned over to Leo Flannery.