Gutzon Borglum, Model for Seated Statue of James Smithson, 1904, painted plaster, 27 1⁄8 x 10 1⁄8 x 11 1⁄2 in. (68.9 x 25.7 x 29.2 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1967.116
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Model for Seated Statue of James Smithson
- Artist
- Date
- 1904
- Location
- Dimensions
- 27 1⁄8 x 10 1⁄8 x 11 1⁄2 in. (68.9 x 25.7 x 29.2 cm)
- Credit Line
- Museum purchase
- Mediums Description
- painted plaster
- Classifications
- Subjects
- Portrait male — Smithson, James — full length
- Monument — statue — Smithson
- Occupation — other — philanthropist
- Study — sculpture model
- Object Number
- 1967.116
Artwork Description
In December 1903, Alexander Graham Bell, a regent of the Smithsonian Institution, asked Gutzon Borglum to submit plans for a memorial honoring the institution’s founder. Borglum carefully researched James Smithson’s life before designing a miniature version of the proposed large-scale work. Rather than represent the scientist in a formal pose, he decided to show Smithson seated comfortably as if in the midst of a casual conversation. Not until October of the following year did he present his model to Bell. Borglum’s plan for a finished sculpture to be placed in front of the Smithsonian was never realized and only the model remains as a record of the intended monument.
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