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Unknown,
Mythology -- Classical
Outdoor Sculpture -- Missouri -- Warrensburg
Architectural component
Sculpture
Minerva, (sculpture).
Artist:
Unknown, sculptor.
Title:
Minerva, (sculpture).
Other Titles:
Goddess of Wisdom, (sculpture).
Dates:
1896. Dedicated 1897. Rededicated Oct. 13, 1995.
Medium:
Sculpture: zinc and lead; Base: wood.
Dimensions:
Sculpture: approx. 10 ft. 6 in. x 3 ft. x 2 ft. (250 lbs.).
Description:
A figure of Minerva stands, goddess of Wisdom, or a figure of Liberty. She stands, holding a spear in her proper right hand and a sword in her proper left hand. She has a crown on her head, her long hair is swept away from her face and she wears sleeveless, classical robes, decorated with a geometric border. The sculpture is mounted on the courthouse dome.
Subject:
Mythology -- Classical -- Minerva
Object Type:
Outdoor Sculpture -- Missouri -- Warrensburg
Architectural component
Sculpture
Owner:
Johnson County Courthouse, North Holden Street, Warrensburg, Missouri 64093
Remarks:
The courthouse was created in 1896. A year later, the $175 sculpture was mounted on its dome along with two smaller sculptures of Justice. The figure originally held a staff topped by a gold ball, in her proper right hand. At the time the figure was erected, there was a ongoing debate about whether the United States should abandon the gold standard and allow the free coinage of silver. The gold-colored ball angered the majority of Democrats who favored the coinage of silver. On September 4, 1897, the gold ball was torn down, and replaced by a silver one.
Over the years, the statue suffered damage from exposure to the elements and from a bullet. In August 1995, the sculpture underwent restoration, in conjunction with repairs to the courthouse roof and tower. A light was removed from the top of Minerva's head and the staff in her proper right hand was turned into a spear. Jim Myers (a sculptor) was responsible for the reconstruction. He was assisted by J. C. Carter, who sandblasted the sculpture, and Richard Adams, of Adams Welding and Manufacturing, who did the welding and helped reinforce the base. In addition, sections of the sculpture were bolted together, rivets were put into the sword, the inside support was repaired and some areas filled. The old paint was removed and the sculpture was epoxied, and painted with automotive paint and clear sealant.
IAS files contain related articles from the Daily Star Journal (Warrensburg, MO) dated Aug. 31, 1995; Sept. 15, 1995; Oct. 3, 1995; Oct. 13, 1995.
References:
Save Outdoor Sculpture, Missouri survey, 1995.
Illustration:
Image on file.
The Daily Star Journal (Warrensburg, MO), Oct. 3, 1995.
Note:
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.
Repository:
Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture, Smithsonian American Art Museum, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 970, Washington, D.C. 20013-7012
Control Number:
IAS MO000344
Copy/Holding information
Smithsonian AmericanArt Museum
Control Number
Inventory of American Sculpture
MO000344
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