TEMP 00003

Yandell, Enid

General John Breckinridge Castleman

1905

Plaster

While working on the finishing details of Hogan's Fountain, General John B. Castleman, a friend of the Yandell family and the person who recommended Yandell to Hogan as a potential sculptor for his fountain, asked Yandell to create a portrait bust of his likeness. Yandell happily agreed and the result is a distinguished characterization of the notable city leader made in plaster and painted to resemble bronze. Castleman's name is inscribed below on what appears to be a bouquet of wild roses, oak leaves, and acorns. Wild roses often symbolize sweetness of character, while references to the mighty oak tree might be a reference to strength.

At the time of its completion in 1905, the sculpture was heralded by The Courier-Journal as a masterpiece. There were originally plans to create a more permanent model in bronze or marble that would be housed in the new Armory for the First Kentucky Regiment, which had just recently been completed, but only this plaster copy is known. The sculpture now resides in the Highlands Branch of the Louisville Free Public Library on Bardstown Road. (KTF)