Architecture and Sculpture at the Boston Public Library

-


The Boston Public Library (BPL), founded in 1848 and acclaimed as the People’s Palace, has an incredible collection of books, videos, music, genealogy resources and educational materials available to the public. The BPL also has a celebrated collection of art and sculpture throughout the library that inspires library staff, visitors and residents every day. 

The McKim Building itself is an architectural and artistic treasure. Constructed between 1888 and 1895, it was named after the architect who designed and planned the building, Charles Follen McKim of the McKim, Mead & White firm.  According to BPL archives, McKim developed partnerships with some of the greatest craftspeople, painters, and sculptors of the 19th century in order to adorn a building that would inspire and elevate its patrons.



Irish-born sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1848-1907) had an influence on the building's exterior decorative features, including the three reliefs depicting the seals of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Boston Public Library, and the City of Boston at the entrance to the McKim Building. And Saint Gaudens, along with Spanish artist Domingo Mora, carved the head of Minerva, goddess of wisdom, above the library’s key motto: FREE TO ALL.


Bacchante and Infant Faun by Frederick MacMonnies

One of Boston’s most interesting sculptures, Bacchante and Infant Faun, is displayed in the courtyard of the BPL in Copley Square. The masterpiece was created in 1893 by American-born sculptor Frederick MacMonnies, a disciple of Augustus Saint-Gaudens.  MacMonnies gave the original casting to his friend, architect Charles McKim, who in turn offered it as a gift to the Library, which installed it. But an outcry ensued from opponents who objected to the nudity of Bacchante, the Goddess of Wine, and McKim withdrew the gift, giving it instead to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Later, a replica of the statue was purchased and placed in the courtyard.


Twin Lions by Louis St. Gaudens

Perhaps the most iconic statuary at the BPL is the pair of lions that memorialize two Civil War Massachusetts volunteer infantries, the Second and the Twentieth. The statues were created by Louis St. Gaudens (1854-1913), the younger brother of Augustus and a talented sculptor in his own right. Although St. Gaudens intended to polish the Siena marble before the memorial was unveiled, the regiment members were so delighted with the unpolished, raw look of the statues, that they asked the artist to leave it as is.  According two BPL David Leonard, the tail of the lions is considered a good luck charm and has been rubbed by millions of visitors over the decades. 

  Wendell Phillips bust by Martin Milmore

And finally, the BPL has a number of busts by Irish sculptor Martin Milmore (1844-1883), who created numerous monuments throughout the northeast.  In the Bates Reading Room, find a bronze bust of 19th century abolitionist Wendell Phillips and scholar George Ticknor.

The Boston Public Library is part of Boston's Irish Heritage Trail, a 3 mile walking tour covering three centuries of Boston Irish history.  Read more about the BPL's Irish holdings, including books, manuscripts and rare documents. 

Research, Photos and Text by Michael Quinlin

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Declan Crowley is new Cultural Programming Manager at the Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston

-
Image
The Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston (ICC) has announced the appointment of Declan Crowley as its new Cultural Programming Manager. Declan's primary role will be to curate a diverse lineup of Irish, Irish-American, and Celtic artists to perform at the Centre throughout the year, from musicians, singers and dancers to writers, filmmakers, historians and artists, while catering to a wide audience of people who cherish Irish culture. Crowley brings a wealth of experience and artistic vision to his new role.  Originally from Burnt Hills, NY, he is an eight-time Regional, two- time National, and All-Ireland Champion Irish dancer, as well as a two-time silver and bronze medal holder at the World Championships and a NFAA youngArts™️ Silver Medalist in World Dance, Crowley began touring internationally with Michael Flatley’s “Lord of the Dance” in 2009, where he played the principal role of ‘Don Dorcha, the Dark Lord’ until 2013. While completing his B.A. in English at the College ...
Read more

General Edward L. Logan, Namesake of Boston's Logan International Airport

-
Image
General Edward L. Logan (1875-1939), namesake of Boston’s Logan International Airport , died on July 6 1939 from a sudden 'heart ailment.'  His brother, Reverend Leo J. Logan, presided over the funeral mass at the Gate of Heaven Church in South Boston, with tributes by leading politicians like Senator David I. Walsh , former Massachusetts Governor and Boston Mayor James M. Curley and former Mayor John F. Fitzgerald .  Logan is buried at the Calvary Cemetery in West Roxbury.  A first generation Irish-American, military leader, civic leader and municipal judge with family roots in Galway and South Boston,  Edward was the oldest of nine children of Lawrence and Catherine (O’Connor), according to Michael Cummings of Milton, an expert on the Logan Family. Edward’s father Lawrence immigrated to Boston from Ballygar, County Galway, in 1858, and became a successful businessman at a young age when he became president of the Boston Brewing Company in South Boston.  The ...
Read more

Boston's Irish International Immigrant Center now called Rian Immigrant Center

-
Image
The Irish International Immigrant Center, one of Boston’s leading immigrant advocacy groups for over three decades, has changed its name to  Rian Immigrant Center . Rian (Ree-Ann), the Irish word for path, honors the groups Irish roots while reflecting its inclusive mission of empowering immigrant and refugee families on the path to opportunity, safety and a better future for all. The Center’s new logo is inspired by the Giant's Causeway on the north coast of Ireland, natural hexagonal stones formed 60 million years ago by cooling lava. The symbol represents how the Rian Immigrant Center provides the support to chart a pathway forward. “Our work has never been in higher demand,” said  Ronnie Millar,  executive director of the Rian Immigrant Center. “In recent years that path has grown more difficult. Legal obstacles, bureaucratic thickets, even physical barriers obstruct the path to legal status and citizenship. Together with our public and private par...
Read more