Jacob Leisler, (sculpture).

Jacob Leisler, (sculpture).

Borglum, Solon Hannibal, 1868-1922, sculptor.

Roman Bronze Works, founder.

Jacob Leisler, (sculpture).

Dedicated June 25, 1913.

Digital Reference:

Sculpture: bronze; Base: stone; Foundation: concrete.

Sculpture: approx. 9 x 5 x 3 ft.; Base: approx. 4 ft. 30 in. x 30 in.; Foundation: approx. H. 1 ft. x Diam. 10 ft.

SOLON H. BORGLUM / ROMAN BRONZE WORKS N.Y. (On front of base:) JACOB LEISLER/GOVERNOR/OF NEW YORK/1689 (On back of base:) ERECTED BY/HUGUENOT CHAPTER/DAUGHTERS OF THE REVOLUTION/STATE OF NEW YORK/AND/THE HUGUENOT ASSOCIATION/OF NEW ROCHELLE/DEDICATED JUNE 25, 1913 (Around top of circular foundation:) JACOB LEISLER 1620 1691 DEFENDER OF FREEDOM OF POLITICAL THOUGHT AND SPEECH signed Founder's mark appears.

Because no portrait is known to exist of Jacob Leisler, the sculpture depicts a generic male figure dressed in period clothing which includes a long cape, knee breeches, boots, and a hat. In his proper right hand the figure holds a walking stick and his proper left arm rests along the top of the stick. The sculpture is installed on a square stone base that is rests on a circular concrete foundation.

Homage -- Leisler, Jacob

History -- United States -- Colonization

History -- Religion -- Huguenot

Figure male -- Full length

Dress -- Historic -- Pilgrim Dress

Outdoor Sculpture -- New York -- New Rochelle

Administered by City of New Rochelle, Department of Public Works, 515 North Avenue, New Rochelle, New York 10804

Located North, Broadview & Braemar Avenues, New Rochelle, New York

The sculpture was erected by the Huguenot Chapter of the Daughters of the Revolution in the memory of Jacob Leisler, a friend to the French settlers of New Rochelle. Jacob Leisler came to America from Frankfort, Germany in 1660 and settled in New York where he became a wealthy merchant. He became popular among the Huguenot people and led an opposition group which became known as the Leislerian Party. He was appointed commander-in-chief of the Province of New York in 1689 and then assumed the title of Governor, a position that he held until 1691 when he was hanged as a traitor by his enemies. Four years later, the English Parliament decreed that Leisler had been the rightful governor and his name was cleared.

IAS files contain an excerpt from a brochure, "Thomas Paine Cottage and Grounds, New Rochelle, NY," New Rochelle, NY: Huguenot-Thomas Paine Historical Association,1974, pg. 12-13; and newspaper articles from the New Rochelle Pioneer, June 28, 1913 and the Standard Star (New Rochelle, NY). For additional information see the Standard Star (New Rochelle, NY), Jan. 18, 1972.

Index of American Sculpture, University of Delaware, 1985

National Park Service, American Monuments and Outdoor Sculpture Database, NY0126, 1989.

Monumental News, May 1913, pg. 340.

Save Outdoor Sculpture, New York survey, 1994.

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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