Lewis and Clark (sculpture) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lewis and Clark |
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The relief in 2008
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| Artist | Leo Friedlander |
| Year | 1934 |
| Type | Relief |
| Medium | Marble, granite |
| Subject | Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, Sacajawea |
| Condition | "Well maintained" (1993) |
| Location | Salem, Oregon, United States |
| 44°56′19″N 123°01′48″W / 44.93871°N 123.03008°W | |
The Lewis and Clark sculpture is a famous artwork found outside the Oregon State Capitol building in Salem, Oregon. This large white marble sculpture was created in 1934 by an artist named Leo Friedlander. It is also known as the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804–1806 Memorial.
Contents
About the Sculpture
This artwork is a type of sculpture called a relief. A relief carving means the figures stick out from a flat background, but they are still attached to it. This particular relief shows Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on horseback. They are being guided by Sacajawea, a famous Native American woman.
Materials and Size
The sculpture is made from beautiful white Vermont marble. It was carved from one big block of marble, which was actually made from six smaller pieces joined together. The artwork is very large, measuring about 153 inches tall by 18.5 inches wide. It sits on a strong granite base that is also quite big.
What the Sculpture Shows
On the back of the sculpture, there is a map. This map shows the area that Lewis and Clark explored during their famous journey. You can also see carvings of hunting scenes and meetings with Native American people.
The sculpture has a special message carved into its base. It says, "WESTWARD THE STAR OF EMPIRE TAKES ITS WAY." The artist, Leo Friedlander, also signed his name on the lower left side of the artwork.
History and Care
The Lewis and Clark sculpture was created in 1934. It has been a part of the Oregon State Capitol grounds ever since. In 1993, a program called "Save Outdoor Sculpture!" checked on the artwork. They found that it was "well maintained," meaning it was being taken care of properly. The Facilities Division of the Oregon Department of Administrative Services looks after the sculpture.
More to Explore
- 1934 in art
- Captain William Clark Monument, University of Portland
- Coming of the White Man (1904), Portland, Oregon
- Lewis and Clark Memorial Column (1908), Portland, Oregon
- Meriwether Lewis and William Clark (1919 sculpture)
- Sacajawea and Jean-Baptiste (1905), Portland, Oregon
- Stone carving
- Stone sculpture
