The Aviator (Charlottesville, Virginia)
Artist | Gutzon Borglum |
---|---|
Year | 1918 |
Type | Bronze |
Dimensions | 4,400 cm × 3,400 cm (144 ft × 112 ft) |
Location | Charlottesville, Virginia |
Owner |
University of Virginia |
| |
Location | Monument Square, bounded by University and Jefferson Park Aves. and the railroad tracks, Charlottesville, Virginia |
Coordinates | 38°2′18″N 78°30′21″W / 38.03833°N 78.50583°WCoordinates: 38°2′18″N 78°30′21″W / 38.03833°N 78.50583°W |
Area | less than one acre |
Built | 1919 |
Architect | Borglum, Gutzon |
Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals |
NRHP Reference # | 06000758[1] |
VLR # | 002-5073 |
Significant dates | |
Added to NRHP | November 9, 2006 |
Designated VLR | June 8, 2006[2] |
The Aviator is a historic sculpture located on the University of Virginia campus near Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Virginia.
History
The sculpture is a bronze statue commissioned in honor of University alumnus, James Rogers McConnell’s heroism and courage in World War I, as a member of the Lafayette Escadrille.
It was designed by Gutzon Borglum and dedicated in 1919. The sculpture measures 12 feet high and 8 feet, 6 inches wide.[3]
It is located in front of Clemons Library on the grounds of the University of Virginia. Due to the library's abundant 24-hour study space available for students, The Aviator is a fixture in everyday life at the University.[4]
It is an athletic male nude with his feet placed shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent and arms outstretched supporting a pair of wings.[5] The blade/knife; dirk or possible dagger/stiletto the figure has in his sheath is a recognized symbol of masculinity.[6][7]
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.[1]
Gallery
- The Aviator, April 2013
- "The Aviator", December 2005
- 7 Inscription
- Inscription
References
- 1 2 National Park Service (2010-07-09). "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.
- ↑ "Virginia Landmarks Register". Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Retrieved 2013-05-12.
- ↑ "The Aviator, (sculpture).". Inventory of American Sculpture. Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved 29 May 2013.
- ↑ http://www.library.virginia.edu/blog/libraries/clemons/
- ↑ Susan Smead and Taryn Harrison (April 2006). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: George Rogers Clark Sculpture" (PDF). and Accompanying four photos
- ↑ http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94979969
- ↑ https://books.google.com/books?id=2fvGAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA120&lpg=PA120&dq=dagger+sexual+confusion&source=bl&ots=CaQlffJwHZ&sig=u_enb1LhLIAyhO70icYyv6MPiV8&hl=en&sa=X&ei=LeLPVMqSFY_uggTOnIQg&ved=0CB4Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=dagger%20sexual%20confusion&f=false