For This the Earth Mourns, (sculpture).

For This the Earth Mourns, (sculpture).

Dorfman, Lois, 1931-2008, sculptor.

Meyers, Richard, architect.

Fine Arts Foundry (Michigan), founder.

Collaborative Inc., architectural firm.

For This the Earth Mourns, (sculpture).

1975-1980. Cast 1979. Dedicated April 13, 1980.

Sculpture: bronze; Base: brick.

Figures range from: approx. H. 23 in. to H. 6 ft.; approx. D. 5 to 10 in.; Base: approx. 32 in. x 16 ft. x 12 ft.

Lois Dorfman FOR THIS THE EARTH MOURNS/BY/LOIS DORFMAN/ERECTED IN MEMORY OF THE VICTIMS OF/THE HOLOCAUST BY THE JEWISH WELFARE/FEDERATION OF TOLEDO APRIL 13, 1980 signed

Raised oval brick base supports a cluster of thirteen bronze figures which face outward from the center; figures diminish in height from the center outwards, the outermost appearing to sink into the base. Bodies are two-dimensional while heads are more fully rounded, some with perforations through the eyes and mouths. Figures portray men, women, and children; one child lies on its side; one man wears a Star of David on his chest. Sculpture is set in a circular courtyard surrounded by trees and a concrete sidewalk.

History -- Europe -- Holocaust

Ethnic -- Hebrew

Allegory -- Death -- Murder

State of Being -- Emotion -- Sorrow

Figure -- Child

Outdoor Sculpture -- Ohio -- Sylvania

Administered by Jewish Federation, Department of Finance and Administration, 6505 Sylvania Avenue, Sylvania, Ohio 43560

Located Jewish Community Complex, 6465 Sylvania Avenue, Courtyard, Sylvania, Ohio

Monument was first proposed by the Women's Board of the Jewish Welfare Federation, Spring 1975; funds were provided by the Federation. Sculptor fashioned the figures after photographs of European Jews taken between 1939 and 1945. Monument was dedicated on Holocaust Remembrance Day, 1980. Bricks used to construct the base were salvaged from pavements on Erie Street in downtown Toledo. IAS files contain transcription from associated plaque. Title of work comes from Jeremiah 4:23-28. Richard Meyers and the Collaborative Architectural Firm assisted with the courtyard design. IAS files contain copies of related articles: Dorfman, Louis, "Personal Reflections by the Artist...," Shoah Vol. 2/3 (Fall/Winter 1981-82), pg. 25-26; and Sheon, Irma Shainberg, "Building Upon Memorials: The Toledo Experience," Shoah Vol. 2/3, Vol. 3/1 (Fall/Winter 1981082), pgs. 27-28, 36.

Save Outdoor Sculpture, Ohio, Toledo survey, 1993.

Dorfman, Lois, "Personal Reflections by the Artist: Making a Holocaust Memorial," Shoah Vol. 2/3, Vol. 3/1 (Fall/Winter 1981-82), pg. 25-26, 38.

Shoah Vol. 2/3, Vol. 3/1 (Fall/Winter 1981-82).

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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