Woodland Indian and Whistling Swans facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Woodland Indian and Whistling Swans |
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| Artist | Marshall Fredericks |
| Year | 1963 |
| Type | Public Art, Sculpture |
| Dimensions | 1,200 cm × 91 cm × 850 cm (480 in × 36 in × 336 in) |
| Location | Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee |
| 43°2′25.294″N 87°55′18.228″W / 43.04035944°N 87.92173000°W | |
| Owner | Milwaukee County Department of Parks |
Woodland Indian and Whistling Swans is a large bronze sculpture. It was made by an American artist named Marshall Fredericks in 1963. You can find it at the Milwaukee Public Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Contents
What the Sculpture Looks Like
The Woodland Indian and Whistling Swans sculpture is on the south side of the Milwaukee Public Museum. It is very large, covering an area of 40 feet tall and 28 feet wide.
The sculpture shows a Native American figure kneeling. His arms are stretched out, pointing to four swans flying above him.
An architect named Theodore Eschweiler asked Marshall Fredericks to create this artwork. It cost $50,000. The sculpture covers three floors of the museum building. A sign nearby explains its meaning:
THE SCULPTURE ABOVE...
ALGONKIAN INDIAN AND WHISTLING SWANS
BY MARSHALL M. FREDERICKS
SYMBOLIZING FREEDOM AND BEAUTY
OF NATURE IN THE GREAT LAKES AREA.
History of the Sculpture
The Milwaukee Public Museum is famous for its exhibits on human and natural history. It was one of the first museums to create life-sized dioramas, which are like 3D scenes.
In the 1950s, plans were made for a new museum building. The building was constructed in the 1960s. The museum director, Stephan Borhegyi, helped finish the project. He wanted the new building to have modern museum ideas inside.
The architects of the building asked Marshall Fredericks to create a sculpture for the entrance. The Woodland Indian and Whistling Swans represents the Great Lakes area. It shows a Native American person, ready to shoot an arrow. But they pause to admire the beauty of swans flying.
Marshall Fredericks was paid $50,000 for his artwork. However, putting the sculpture up was tricky. It was very heavy and big. The city had to work with builders to get it installed safely.
This bronze sculpture has been important to the museum for a long time. In 1983, when the museum turned 100, this image was chosen for the celebration logo. Even today, it is a key symbol for the museum. It shows the museum's focus on both people and nature.
Who Owns the Sculpture?
The sculpture is managed by Milwaukee County. This is done through their Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture.
Condition of the Artwork
The sculpture is well cared for. You might notice some green patina on it. This is a natural coating that forms on bronze over time.
