My favorite statue.
Source: Daisy & Poncho’s on Pinterest
I love statues.
What’s your favorite statue, and where, and why? Share in comments section below.
I bemoan the lack of great statues in today’s culture. Growing up, seeing beautiful monuments to heroes, a child learns to year for greatness. Without them, of course, we may learn to yearn to serve through movies, books, history…but statues are nearly-living, evocative monuments to the path of herohood.
My favorite statue—for it says so little, and therefore so much—has for many years been Appeal to the Great Spirit, in Boston, in front of the MFA. There are copies of it elsewhere, including for many years in the White House.
Source: flickr.com via Greta on Pinterest
Source: flickr.com via Native American on Pinterest
Source: flickr.com via M.F. on Pinterest
It is sad, open, noble, spiritual in the full sense of the word. And yet, it is mysterious, unknown, subtle—and thereby it is powerful, unknowable, a figure of open contemplation and gravitas.
Recently, I returned to my old hometown of many years in Boston, and snapped this pic. I thought to share it–for so many years, passing it daily on my way to and fro the challenges and joys of that time, I always took the time to stare at it as I passed, and reconnect with my own spirit and life and dreams.
May it serve you, too:
@waylonlewis on Instagram: Appeal to the Great Spirit. Used to pass this on #bicycle or T a few times a day from #missionhill –always a moment of connecting to present moment and sacredness and point of it all for me. #mfa #museumoffinearts #boston
A smaller version:
Source: dallin.org via Myrna on Pinterest
Incorrect source, offensive, or found a typo? Or do you want to write for Elephant?
This image has held a special place in my heart as far back as I can remember, and as I write this, an old print of it hangs on the wall behind me. Awesome, powerful image! Thank you!
The statue of Chief Niwot along the Boulder Creek, just west of the 9th Street bridge, has been my favorite statue since I moved to Boulder in 1987. I used to imagine conversations with the Chief. Then, last summer I participated in the One Action/One Boulder events centered around understanding what happened to Chief Niwot and his people when the whites invaded their land. Whenever I pass the statue now, I pause, and as tears fill my eyes, I just say, "I'm sorry."