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Title
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Christopher Columbus Monument
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Description
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The pedestal consists of a square block of granite featuring octagonal pilasters at each corner. Attached to two sides are bronze bas-reliefs; one depicts Columbus departing in a boat towards land recently sighted, and the other portrays the explorer setting foot on the newly discovered territory. Atop the pedestal is a square-paneled pediment, on two sides of which are inscribed texts in English and Italian respectively, extolling Columbus and detailing the provenance of the monument. Additionally, the base bears a marble sculpture referred to as the Genius of Columbus, a marble sculpture of a male angel examining a globe, and an Alpine Eagle, also crafted from marble. Against the remaining two sides of the pediment are allegorical figures, and emerging from it is a colossal granite rostral column, which is characterized by ships sailing through it, approximately 27 feet in height and 6 feet in diameter. This supports the figure of Columbus, carved from pure white Carrara marble, measuring 13 feet in height.
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Coordinates
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Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10023
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Location
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Columbus Circle, New York, New York
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Note
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The funding for the monument was headed by an Italian American who ran an Italian-American newspaper, Il Progresso, Carlo Barsotti. The monument is meant as a present to New York to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Columbus's expedition.
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Abstract
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Gaetano Russo's Christopher Columbus Monument in New York City serves as the focal point of Columbus Circle. The monument features a Carrara marble statue of Columbus atop a granite base and pedestal. Unveiled in 1892, the city had the monument erected to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Columbus's expedition.
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Creator
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Gaetano Russo|82
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Date
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1892/10/12
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Medium
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Carrara Marble|Bronze|Granite
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Subject
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Christopher Columbus
