The Pulaski Monument, (sculpture).

The Pulaski Monument, (sculpture).

Launitz, Robert E., 1806-1870, sculptor.

The Pulaski Monument, (sculpture).

Commissioned 1852. 1855.

Digital Reference:

Figure and shaft: Carrara marble; Base: granite; Foundation: concrete and brick.

Overall: approx. H. 53 ft.; Base: approx. W. 10 ft. 4 in. x D. 6 ft. 8 in.

(Back top right of base:) ROBERT E. LAUNITZ (Back top center of base:) PULASKI/THE HEROIC POLE/WHO FELL MORTALLY WOUNDED,/FIGHTING FOR AMERICAN LIBERTY,/AT THE SIEGE OF SAVANNAH./9 OCT. 1779 (Front of base, top center, raised letters:) SAVANNAH 9 OCT. 1779 signed

A standing female figure of Liberty dressed in classical robes holds the American flag in her proper left hand and a laurel wreath in her raised proper right hand. The figure is mounted on a pedestal at the top of a tall shaft. The shaft is adorned at the top with a Corinthian cap. The main part of the shaft is decorated with rows of stars and emblems of the states and territories. The shaft is set on a rectangular, multitiered base. The upper front and back sides of the base have two identical high-relief eagles with wings spread, each standing on a shield surrounded by laurels. Below the eagle on the front of the base is a relief depicting Count Casimir Pulaski wounded in battle and falling from his horse which rears on its hind legs. On the back side of the base, just below the eagle, is an inscription panel flanked by reliefs of two sitting figures. On the left is a seated, bare-chested man wearing a classical helmet and holding a spear. On the right is a seated female figure wearing classical robes. At each corner of this section is an inverted cannon, symbolizing military loss and mourning.

History -- United States -- Revolution

Portrait male -- Pulaski, Casimir -- Full length

Figure female -- Full length

Allegory -- Other -- Triumph

Occupation -- Other -- Aristocrat

State of Being -- Illness -- Wound

History -- United States -- Siege of Savannah

Outdoor Sculpture -- Georgia -- Savannah

Administered by City of Savannah, Park & Tree Department, P. O. Box 1027, Savannah, Georgia 31402

Located Monterey Square, Savannah, Georgia

Polish Count Casimir Pulaski (1748-1779) was mortally wounded at the siege of Savannah October 9, 1779. Originally, the monument was to be installed in Chippewa Square where the cornerstone had been laid by Lafayette in 1825. The artist, however, chose Monterey Square and the cornerstone was moved. The sculpture was funded by the Lottery Fund. There is some debate as to whether the design for the sculpture originated with Robert E. Launitz, or if he took the idea from his former colleague, John Frazee. Part of the original sculpture was lost at sea as it was transferred from Italy. IAS files contain related articles from the Savannah Morning News, May 31, 1943; the Sears' Family Magazine 2 (Jan. 1845); and undated articles from the Savannah Morning News. IAS files also contain excerpts from Frederick S. Voss' "John Frazee Sculptor," Washington City: National Portrait Gallery, 1986, which describes the debate over the monument's original designer. In 1997, according to an article in Savannah's "Creative Loafing, April 19, 1997, pg. 1, the sculpture of Liberty was moved inside the Savannah History Museum to prevent further deterioration. A replica will take her place atop the monument.

Save Outdoor Sculpture, Georgia survey, 1993.

SOS Achievement Award, 1997.

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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