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 |
The Woodland Indian and Whistling Swans is a large bronze sculpture. It was made by the American artist 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 building. It is very big, about 40 feet wide and 28 feet tall. The sculpture shows a Native American figure kneeling. His arms are stretched out, pointing your eyes to four swans flying above him.
The museum's architect, Theodore Eschweiler, asked Marshall Fredericks to create this artwork. The sculpture cost $50,000. It covers the side of the building from the second floor up to the fourth floor. A sign nearby explains what the sculpture means:
THE SCULPTURE ABOVE...
ALGONKIAN INDIAN AND WHISTLING SWANS
BY MARSHALL M. FREDERICKS
SYMBOLIZING FREEDOM AND BEAUTY
OF NATURE IN THE GREAT LAKES AREA.
How the Sculpture Was Made
The Milwaukee Public Museum is famous for its displays about human history and nature. It was one of the first museums to create full-size dioramas, which are like 3D scenes. The museum used to share a building with the Milwaukee Public Library.
In the 1950s, plans were made for a new museum building. The new building was constructed in the 1960s. Stephan Borhegyi, who was the museum director then, helped finish the project. He wanted the inside of the museum to be very modern. The architects of the building asked Marshall Fredericks to create a sculpture for the museum's entrance.
The Woodland Indian and Whistling Swans sculpture represents the Great Lakes area. It shows "A Woodland Indian, ready to release an arrow from his bow, pauses in awe before the beauty of nature as seen in the flight of swans." Marshall Fredericks was paid $50,000 for his artwork. Putting the sculpture up was tricky because it was so heavy and large. The city had to work with the builders to get it installed correctly.
The sculpture has been very important to the museum. In 1983, when the museum turned 100 years old, this image was chosen for their celebration logo. Even today, it is a key symbol for the museum. It shows how the museum focuses on both human history and the natural world.
Who Owns the Sculpture
The sculpture is managed by the Milwaukee County Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture.
How the Sculpture Looks Today
The sculpture is kept in good condition. You might notice some green patina on it. This green color happens naturally over time as bronze reacts with the air.
