| Year | YYYY |
|---|
Title of Artwork, is a public artwork by Nationality artist Artist's Name, located on the specific location, which is near City, State[disambiguation needed], Country. Describe artwork, including dimensions, materials, construction/installation, and time-period.
Description
The Bust of William Hayden English resides on the third floor of the Indiana statehouse, directly outside the entrance of The General Assembly of the House of Representatives. There are no visible foundry marks or an artists inscription located on the front or either side of the base or bust of the statue.
The bust is either made of white marble or white alabaster. Given the grey marbling streaks and the chips in on the corners of the base, it is an assumption that it is made of white alabaster. Given that alabaster is a softer stone than marble.
The inscription of the base of the bust reads as follows; William H. English, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Session of 1851-1852. The inscription is carved on the front facade of the base and highlighted with gold leafing or paint, within the carved lettering.
The bottom of the niche rests at about 4 feet tall with the base being about 2.5 to 3 feet tall, with the bust placed on top. The overall assumed dimension of the base and bust combined, would be at about 4 to 4.5 feet in total height with 2.5 foot width of the base, at it's widest point.
Historical information
Location history
The Bust is located outside of the General Assembly Hall of the House of Representatives. Given that William H. English greatly contributed his time as speaker of house and as civil servant, the plaque indicates that he was instrumental in the development of key architectural elements of monument circle. The brass plaque states that built English's Opera House and was a key figure in the development and building of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, both located on Monument Circle. In addition to the honorable mentions, it is also stated that he was connected with the first National Bank of Indianapolis and a historian.
William H. English made considerable contributions to the city and state capitol of Indiana. It is no coincidence that his state is located directly outside of the entrance of the general assembly hall of the House of Representatives. His birth and death dates are, August 27, 1822- February 7, 1896. And this bust may have been placed posthumously.
Acquisition
Artist
No artist information has been located, nor were there any foundry marks visible. The location of niche in which the statue is placed, makes it difficult to examine without a ladder, step stool, chair, or bench to stand on. The base of the niche rests at about 4 feet with the base being about 2.5 to 3 feet tall, with the bust placed on top.
Condition
The overall present condition of the bust and the base is stable. But the base has visible chips located on the corners and at the bottom of the base for the bust. As indicated in the description, this white bust may more than likely be composed of white marble. The bust itself remains unaffected.
See also
References
Indiana State Museum. "MIMSY XG: Production Database". ID number 99.2006.020.0079. Retrieved 30 November 2010.
Flickr Photos: Wikipedia Saves Public Art Project / Indiana Statehouse ==External links==