Bust of Benjamin Harrison facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Benjamin Harrison bust |
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| Artist | Richard Peglow |
| Year | 2008 |
| Type | Bronze, Marble |
| Dimensions | 71 cm × 64 cm (28 in × 25 in) |
| Location | Indianapolis |
The Benjamin Harrison bust is a sculpture by American artist Richard Peglow. You can find it in the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. This artwork is made of bronze and shows President Benjamin Harrison. It was placed in the Statehouse in 2008.
What the Bust Looks Like
This artwork has three main parts. There is a bronze bust, a black granite shield, and a limestone base. The bust itself is about 21 inches (530 mm) tall. It shows Benjamin Harrison, who was the 23rd President of the United States. He is wearing his favorite overcoat and has a full beard.
The word "Harrison" is written on a bronze banner. This banner is placed across the top of the granite shield. The shield is made of black Indian granite. Its polished edges show off a gray inside part.
There are six stars on the shield. These stars represent the six states that joined the United States while Harrison was president. These states were North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Washington, Idaho, and Wyoming. More states joined during his time than any other president's. The shield's design was inspired by Harrison's 1888 campaign slogan. It also looks like the shape of Indiana's state tree, the tulip tree.
The artist, Richard Peglow, made the sculpture in his studio. It was then cast in bronze at the SinCerus Bronze Art Center in Indianapolis.
How the Bust Came to Be
The idea for this bust started in 2007. The Indiana General Assembly asked for it in a special bill. This bill also asked for other artworks to honor African Americans. The law said the state needed to get a bust of President Benjamin Harrison. It also said where it should be displayed in the state capitol.
The state's historical bureau and arts commission helped with the design. The legislative council also had to approve it before it was placed. Several representatives and senators supported this bill.
The artist, Richard Peglow, grew up in La Port, Indiana. He studied art at several schools. These include the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale and the Herron School of Art.
The bust was officially placed in the Indiana Statehouse on November 18, 2008. Benjamin Harrison's great-great-grandson, Kimball Morsman, was there. Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels gave a speech. He said he was surprised that a bust of Harrison wasn't already in the Statehouse.
Some people wondered why a law was needed for this project. A writer for the Indianapolis Star newspaper, Matthew Tully, mentioned the bust. He thought it was odd that a law was passed for something like this. He liked Benjamin Harrison and the idea of the bust. But he asked if a law was truly necessary for such a decision.
