User:Nicole.m.m/Sculpture Draft Untitled: Indians Reaper, Black Smith, Pioneer Family(Indiana Statehouse)
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Description and Location of the Artwork
editLocated above the South Entrance portico of the Indiana State house. There are four themed groups of individuals represented in limestone. Above the figures of the building is a stone and gold gilded eagle with its wings outspread.
On the left edge of the portico is a figure grouping of an Indian family. A chief stands in the center, to his proper right is a woman with a papoose on her back and is heading off to the West (proper right). On the chief's proper left is another Indian male figure or Brave wearing a loin cloth; behind the chief and woman. To the right of this grouping is a single male figure of a farmer holding a metal sickle. He has a full beard and wears shirt and full length pants. To the proper right of the farmer is a figure of a blacksmith. The blacksmith has a beard and wears a shirt with rolled up sleeves, a standard blacksmith apron and full length pants. He stands with his proper right arm placed on his hip, bent at the elbow. On the far right edge of the portico is the figure grouping of a pioneer family. On the proper right is a young boy wearing breeches or 3/4 length pants and a hat. Standing in the center of the grouping is the father in a buckskin shirt and full-length pants and in his hands; he holds a metal rifle. On the proper left is the mother, wearing a long pioneer dress and sunbonnet. Her proper right hand is raised to shield her eyes from the elements.
Symbolism of the Indians, Reaper, Blacksmith, and Pioneer Family
editThe Indians symbolize where the state "Indiana" derives the state name. The positioning of the figures suggest that the land once belonged to them and they gave "Indiana" is name. From the east comes a new era with a farmer holding a sickle and a blacksmith with his apron depicting his trade. These two figures symbolize the skills needed to obtain and utilize the fruits of the land. The Pioneer Family (man, woman, and young boy) also represents a new era and the westward expansion from the east. Above these figures at the center of the pediment, above the cornice is a stone American Bald Eagle with its wings spread and gilded in gold. Given that this is a national symbol, it is indicating Indiana's place within the union (SOS! Survey Questionnaire description).
Construction of the Indiana State house
editIn the late 1800s construction of the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis spanned from October 1878- January 1887 (Indiana Capitol, Historical Summary, Chronology of State Capital Improvements. Indiana Landmarks). It believed that Herman C. Mueller [Herman Carl Mueller Wikipedia Page] completed the limestone sculptures within this span of time and was erected between 1886 and 1887. The new capital opened to the public January 6, 1887 for the start of the first session of the General Assembly (Indiana Capitol, Historical Summary, Chronology of State Capital Improvements. Indiana Landmarks). The four groupings of the limestone sculpture were originally designed as the main entrance facing the National Road (SOS! Survey Questionnaire description).
Limestone Figure Artisan
editHerman Carl Mueller is the artisan of these limestone figures. Native of Germany and was primarily located in the east coast region via the Midwest. His artwork was typically seen in or on government buildings.