Andre Captured

Paul Manship, Andre Captured, n.d., bronze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Paul Manship, 1966.47.143
Copied Paul Manship, Andre Captured, n.d., bronze, 710 in. (17.825.4 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Paul Manship, 1966.47.143

Artwork Details

Title
Andre Captured
Artist
Date
n.d.
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
710 in. (17.825.4 cm)
Credit Line
Bequest of Paul Manship
Mediums
Mediums Description
bronze
Classifications
Keywords
  • History — United States — Revolution
  • Portrait male — Andre, Major
  • Occupation — military — major
Object Number
1966.47.143

Artwork Description

Paul Manship's bronze relief Andre Captured is one of several the sculptor created to commemorate episodes from the Revolutionary War (see also 1966.47.141, 1966.47.144, 1966.47.145 and 1966.47.136). Manship's papers indicate that these reliefs were designed for a projected "Hall of History," but research has not revealed where or when that project was to appear. The mounted figure represents Major John Andre, an English soldier of Huguenot descent who conspired with Benedict Arnold to surrender the fort at West Point to the British. Andre was captured by three colonial militiamen who found incriminating papers tucked in his boot. Andre was hanged as a spy on October 2, 1780.