 | |
| Year | 1918 |
|---|---|
| Type | Bronze |
| Dimensions | 4,400 cm × 3,400 cm (144 ft × 112 ft) |
| Location | Charlottesville, Virginia |
| Owner | University of Virginia |
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.[1]
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.[2]
It is an athletic male nude with his feet placed shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent and arms outstretched supporting a pair of wings.[3] The blade/knife; dirk or possible dagger/stiletto the figure has in his sheath is a recognized symbol of masculinity and sexual confusion.[4][5]
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.[6]
Gallery[]
_by_Gutzon_Borglum.jpg "\"The Aviator\" (of 1919) by Gutzon Borglum.jpg (141 KB)")
References[]
- ↑ "The Aviator, (sculpture).". Inventory of American Sculpture. Smithsonian Institution. http://siris-artinventories.si.edu/ipac20/ipac.jsp?&profile=all&source=~!siartinventories&uri=full=3100001~!317769~!0#focus. 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". http://www.dhr.virginia.gov/registers/Counties/Albemarle/002-5073_Aviator_NR_final_2006.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
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
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The original article can be found at The Aviator (Charlottesville, Virginia) and the edit history here.