Columbia

Datec. 1870

DimensionsOverall: 69 × 21 × 19 in. (175.3 × 53.3 × 48.3 cm)

Object numberN0164.1961

Credit LineCollection of the Fenimore Art Museum. Gift of Stephen C. Clark

Photograph by Richard Walker

Label TextUnder the inspiration of classical tradition, a succession of female figures came to personify America in the 18th and 19th centuries. These included the images of an Indian Princess, a Neoclassical goddess of Liberty (derived from the French figure of Liberty), and Columbia, seen here. Depicted as a regal figure, Columbia usually appears in flowing garments, wearing a laurel wreath, tiara, or liberty cap. She holds the shield of Minerva, the Roman goddess noted for her martial prowess, which is decorated with the American stars and stripes. This sculpture was probably carved in a New York, Philadelphia, or Boston shop. Although oral tradition points to a maritime history for this sculpture, it was more likely an architectural figure for a public building such as a courthouse.
Exhibition History“Folk Art from the Collection of the New York State Historical Association,” Museum of American Folk Art, NY, January 11, 2000 – February 18, 2000.

“American Folk Art: Collection from the Fenimore Art Museum,” Mona Bismarck Foundation, Paris, France, January 25, 2001 – March 24, 2001.
ProvenanceHenry Goodwin Vaugh, S. Berwick, ME; Jean and Howard Lipman, Wilton, CT; Stephen C. Clark, Cooperstown, NY.
BibliographyRobert Bishop and Jacqueline M. Atkins, "Folk Art in American Life,"New York: Penguin Books, 1995, page 170.

On View

On view