ID#:
PALM 00020
Artist:
Ezekiel, Moses
Title:
Thomas Jefferson
Date:
1901
Medium:
Metal
Material:
Bronze
Information:
The bust of Abraham Lincoln was not the only contribution to Louisville's collection of public art made by Ezekiel. In 1899 the artist was approached by the Bernheim brothers and asked to create another presidential likeness, this time in the form of a life—size bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson.
The president stands atop an uncracked Liberty Bell and is depicted holding the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson is accompanied by four winged, allegorical figures that represent Liberty, Justice, Religious Freedom, and Equality (which has also been identified as the Brotherhood of Man, or Human Freedom), which are located underneath the presiding Jefferson around the base of the Bell. Liberty is located directly beneath Jefferson and is identified by her Phrygian cap. Justice, blindfolded and holding a sword and scales (now lost), is located behind Jefferson. Religious Freedom is located to Jefferson's left, while Equality/Brotherhood of Man is to his right.
The work was placed on the front lawn at the Jefferson County Courthouse located at 527 West Jefferson Street, now Louisville Metro Hall, where it still stands today. A replica was placed at the University of Virginia in 1910. (KTF)
The president stands atop an uncracked Liberty Bell and is depicted holding the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson is accompanied by four winged, allegorical figures that represent Liberty, Justice, Religious Freedom, and Equality (which has also been identified as the Brotherhood of Man, or Human Freedom), which are located underneath the presiding Jefferson around the base of the Bell. Liberty is located directly beneath Jefferson and is identified by her Phrygian cap. Justice, blindfolded and holding a sword and scales (now lost), is located behind Jefferson. Religious Freedom is located to Jefferson's left, while Equality/Brotherhood of Man is to his right.
The work was placed on the front lawn at the Jefferson County Courthouse located at 527 West Jefferson Street, now Louisville Metro Hall, where it still stands today. A replica was placed at the University of Virginia in 1910. (KTF)
Click to Enlarge
Right Side View
Front View
Detail
Detail: Allegory of Freedom
Detail: Allegory of Justice (prior to theft of scales)
Detail: Allegory of Equality or Brotherhood of Man
Detail: Allegory of Religious Freedom
Unveiling of the Jefferson Statue in The Courier-Journal, Nov. 10, 1901
Thomas Jefferson, in front of the Louisville Courthouse, c. 1906
Right Side View
Front View
Detail
Detail: Allegory of Freedom
Detail: Allegory of Justice (prior to theft of scales)
Detail: Allegory of Equality or Brotherhood of Man
Detail: Allegory of Religious Freedom
Unveiling of the Jefferson Statue in The Courier-Journal, Nov. 10, 1901
Thomas Jefferson, in front of the Louisville Courthouse, c. 1906