The Aviator (Charlottesville, Virginia)
The Aviator is a historic sculpture located on the University of Virginia campus near Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Virginia.
The Aviator | |
---|---|
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 |
Area | less than one acre |
Built | 1919 |
Architect | Borglum, Gutzon |
Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals |
NRHP reference No. | 06000758[1] |
VLR No. | 002-5073 |
Significant dates | |
Added to NRHP | November 9, 2006 |
Designated VLR | June 8, 2006[2] |
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.
The Aviator 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
- "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
- "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
- https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94979969
- Schotten, C. (2009-07-20). Nietzsche's Revolution: Décadence, Politics, and Sexuality. ISBN 9780230623224.