Daniel Chester French Continents
A set of four marble statues at the former united states customs house the continents are the work of acclaimed american sculptor daniel chester french 1850 1931 who dedicated them to the building in 1907.
Daniel chester french continents. In 1867 french s family moved to concord massachusetts. Daniel chester french s sculpture of africa shows the continent to be mysterious shrouded in unknowns and a rich past. Gilbert asked both daniel chester french and august saint gaudens both to submit designs for the scupltures. Saint gaudens declined the invitation citing other work he was occupied with so french received the commission.
Custom house in manhattan new york city. Daniel chester french attained prominence as an american monumental sculptor in the early 20th century. The sleeping continent was just beginning to emerge in the early 1900 s when french made his sculptures of the continents all photos below were taken by douglas yeo in march 2003. The four continents 1903 1907 artist daniel chester french location the four sculptures are located in front of the main entrance to the former united states custom house at one bowling green between state and whitehall streets.
Four continents is the collective name of four sculptures by daniel chester french installed outside the alexander hamilton u s. References edit. The sculptures are symbolic representations of africa america asia and europe and are set atop approximately nine foot pedestals at the building s facade. The four continents located in lower manhattan is made up of four distinct sculptures consisting of a central female figure surrounded by other figures and objects that represent asia america europe and africa as seen by the artist.