Focus on Equestrian statue of George Washington (Newark) and discuss the History.
Sculptor J. Massey Rhind was commissioned to do the work, funded by the bequest of Amos H. Van Horn (1840–1908), owner of one of the largest furniture stores in Newark. Born in Edinburgh, Rhind (1860–1936) had a workshop in New York City and was known for the classical caryatids at Macy's Department Store on 34th Street. Rhind's proposal was for a distinctive equestrian statue, showing General Washington saying farewell to the troops and standing beside, rather than mounted on, his horse, which helped secure the commission. The statue was cast in 1912 by the Roman Bronze Works of New York City, which had also done the casting of Rhind's sculptures for the Stephenson Grand Army of the Republic Memorial in Washington, D.C. George Washington was installed in Newark's Washington Park and dedicated on November 2, 1912, the anniversary of the event depicted. President William H. Taft was scheduled to deliver an address at the dedication, but then had to attend the funeral of vice-president James S. Sherman, who had died three days earlier, on October 30.
New York City caryatid Washington, D.C. Stephenson Grand Army of the Republic Memorial equestrian statue Macy's Department Store Roman Bronze Works Edinburgh George Washington Washington Park J. Massey Rhind James S. Sherman William H. Taft