History of Gen. Andrew Jackson Statue in New Orleans
Some years back I read in the local paper that someone was able to take the sword off the statue of Gen. Andrew Jackson and a new one had to be made. Lucky for us the statue in Jackson Square is one of three made by an American artist and the first equestrian statue to be done in the USA. Back then I had to go to the New Orleans Public Library to find out information on Clark Mills but today it is easier to research things about art and New Orleans using the Internet. Clark Mills (1810–83 born NY) was a self trained American sculptor who completely designed and cast the statue for Lafayette Square in 1853 at Washington, DC . The statue was so remarkable that a committee in New Orleans asked him to cast another for the Place D'Arms which upon dedication in 1856 was renamed Jackson Square. Eventually a total of three were cast, the one in Washington, DC, New Orleans and another near Jackson's birthplace in Tennessee. Like most things I paint in New Orleans I always like to know more so when I paint it I can relate to it better. Lucky for me I have been able to visit each statue and will be in Washington, DC This summer to visit art there and will stop in Lafayette Square and see the original statue again.
Did you know that Philadelphia also has the same statue of Joan of Art as in the French Quarter?
Starry Night Jackson Square Poster
by figstreetstudio
posted by Bluecat-NOLA @ 6:57 AM
3 Comments:
Nice blog. Keep blogging we will be back when we can to visit
Great to know, I live in the DC area now, so whenever friends visit I surprise them with the statue in Lafayette Square. It's probably one of the most prominently situated statues in the city being right next to the White House. Very few people, formerly myself included, know that our New Orleans statue is not the only one. Of course, ours is still the best. Thanks.
Surprise!! April 1956, 17 yr teen
climbed the statue on a dare. Coming down held to sword to break
fall and sword came off, took it home but someone saw us and reported car lic # to police, FBI,
park police came to school and had to return sword to avoid charges.
Hard to imagine how I climbed the
pedestal and rode on horse`s tail.I still laugh when telling story over the years. PB
Post a Comment
<< Home