Knowledge, (sculpture).

Knowledge, (sculpture).

Bitter, Karl, 1867-1915, sculptor.

Porter, Lew, architect.

Grignola, John, 1861-1912, carver.

George B. Post & Sons, architectural firm.

Knowledge, (sculpture).

Commissioned 1909. 1910-1912. Erected 1914-1915.

Digital Reference:

Sculpture: Bethel white granite; Base: Bethel white granite.

Central figure: approx. H. 12 ft.; Each flanking figure: approx. H. 6 ft.

The sculpture grouping represents Knowledge or Wisdom and includes three allegorical male figures in classical drapery. The central figure is a man in his prime contemplating the significance of the world. He wears a winged cap, and holds a sphere in his proper left hand, a globe is set by his proper left foot. He is flanked below by two seated figures, a philosopher and a student, who have open scrolls or books in their laps. The philosopher is seen as an elderly bearded man, with a garland in his hair, and is placed on the left. From the inside of each chair, flows a fountain of water. An eagle with outspread wings is placed between the philosopher and the student.

Figure group -- Male

Allegory -- Quality -- Prudence

Allegory -- Arts & Sciences -- Philosophy

Allegory -- Arts & Sciences -- Education

Object -- Written Matter -- Manuscript

Animal -- Bird -- Eagle

Outdoor Sculpture -- Wisconsin -- Madison

Architectural component

Administered by State of Wisconsin, Bureau of Building Management, Capitol, 4 East State Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53702-0001

Located Wisconsin State Capitol, At base of dome, northeast entrance, East Washington Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin

One of four sculptural groupings placed around base of capitol dome, symbolizing the fundamental characteristics of Wisconsin and its people. The figures representing "Knowledge" are placed opposite "Strength" (see IAS record WI000446). The other groupings are Faith (WI000332) and Prosperity & Abundance (WI00165). The architect for the state capitol was George B. Post & Sons. The sculptural decoration was designed by Karl Bitter. John Grignola was the carving supervisor of an Italian crew for the project. IAS image files do not contain a complete image of the sculpture.

IAS files contain excerpt from Frances W. Hurst's "A Common Joy," 1991, pg. 20-21; James M. Dennis' "Karl Bitter: Architectural Sculptor, 1867-1915," Madison, WI: Univ. of Wisconsin Press, 1967, pg. 132-148; and Frances Hurst's "Wisconsin State Capitol Guide & History," State of Wisconsin, 1991, 33rd ed., pg. 17-18, 46, 50.

Save Outdoor Sculpture, Wisconsin survey, 1993.

Hurst, Frances W., "A Common Joy," 1991, pg. 21.

The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.

Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture, Smithsonian American Art Museum, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 970, Washington, D.C. 20013-7012

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