Bust of Calvin Fletcher facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Calvin Fletcher |
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|---|---|
| Artist | Unknown |
| Year | Unknown |
| Type | Sculpture |
| Dimensions | 121 cm × 51 cm × 26.0 cm (47.5 in × 20 in × 10.25 in) |
| Location | Indiana Statehouse, Indianapolis |
| 39°46′7″N 86°9′45″W / 39.76861°N 86.16250°W | |
| Owner | State of Indiana |
The Calvin Fletcher sculpture is a marble bust found inside the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. It shows Calvin Fletcher (1798–1866), an important person who moved to Indiana early in its history. He became a lawyer and a senator. The sculpture is about 47.5 inches (121 centimeters) tall.
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What Does the Calvin Fletcher Sculpture Look Like?
The Calvin Fletcher sculpture is made of marble. It has two main parts: a base, called a pedestal, and the bust itself. The pedestal is about 17.5 inches (44.5 centimeters) tall. The bust, which is the part showing Calvin Fletcher, is about 30 inches (76.2 centimeters) tall.
The bust shows Calvin Fletcher's serious face. He is looking straight ahead. He is wearing formal clothes. The bottom of the bust narrows into a column. This column sits on top of the wider pedestal base.
Details on the Sculpture's Base
The base of the sculpture is mostly plain. However, it has cool spiral designs on its left and right sides. Each spiral ends with a flower shape that has four petals. Below these spirals, the base gets a little wider.
On the front of the base, the words "CALVIN FLETCHER" are carved. These letters are painted gold and are 2.5 inches tall.
The Plaque Beside the Sculpture
The sculpture sits inside a stone niche, which is like a special alcove in the wall. A small gold plaque is placed just below the sculpture. This plaque tells you more about Calvin Fletcher. It says:
CALVIN FLETCHER
BORN FEB. 14, 1788- DIED MAY 26, 1866
EARLY SETTLER AND LANDOWNER.
CONNECTED WITH SECOND STATE BANK.
AN ATTORNEY.
SERVED IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1826-1833.
Who Was Calvin Fletcher?
Calvin Fletcher was an important person in Indiana's early history. He moved to Indianapolis in 1821. He heard that Indianapolis would become the new capital of Indiana. He started his law practice in the new city.
Fletcher was later elected to the state senate. He served there for seven years. He also helped manage the Indianapolis city schools. He was a leader in the Masonic Center lodge. Calvin Fletcher was also a very religious man. He gave money to many early churches in the Indianapolis area.
Why Was Fletcher Important?
Because of all his work, Calvin Fletcher became a well-known person in Indianapolis in the mid-1800s. He was especially known for being against slavery. He was seen as a protector of the African American community in Indianapolis.
Why Use Marble for Sculptures?
The Calvin Fletcher sculpture shows a historical person using marble sculpture. Stone sculpture has been an art form for thousands of years. Ancient Greek and Roman cultures often used marble.
Artists often choose marble because it can look a bit see-through. This quality can make faces and figures look very real. When marble is first taken from the ground, it is quite soft. This makes it easier to sculpt than other types of stone.
How Marble Sculptures Are Made
To carve marble, artists use different chisels and hammers. First, they remove large chunks of the stone. Then, they slowly chip away smaller pieces. This careful process continues until they can create very fine details.
Where to Find the Calvin Fletcher Sculpture Now?
The Calvin Fletcher sculpture is currently on the fourth floor of the Indiana Statehouse. You can find it on the west side of the building, in an alcove of the rotunda.
Where Was It Before?
Before it was moved, the bust was displayed in a niche. This niche was outside the south door of the senate chamber. In 2004, a new sculpture was made. It was a bust of the late Frank O'Bannon. This new bust, called the Frank O'Bannon Bust, was placed where the Calvin Fletcher Bust used to be. Since then, the Calvin Fletcher sculpture has stayed on the fourth floor.
