To many, people earned the right to be sculpted by being figureheads of countries, or religious icons, or those of great military importance. However, throughout history, sculptures have been created to signify people significant to the artist, and often these subjects were of significance to the society surrounding them. Gian Lorenzo Bernini created the well-known marble sculpture of David in the years 1623 – 1624 while in Galleria Borghese, Rome (Sculpture Gallery, ARTH 200, 2019; Gian Lorenzo Bernini, David). The bronze Frederick Douglass sculpture that resides in front of the Hornbake Library on the University of Maryland’s campus was crafted by Andrew Edwards in 2015 in College Park, Maryland (Sculpture Gallery, ARTH 200, 2019; Andrew Edwards, Frederick Douglass). While David is depicted in his historic moment from biblical times, Frederick Douglass is depicted as sternly speaking as the now-famous abolitionist once did. The sculpture of David and Frederick Douglass both depict men larger than life who fought against oppression and the evils of their respective times, using elements and sculptural techniques they are both representing how they would have done that in their lives and captures a sense of humility while showing off a sense of strength and fearless determination The Frederick Douglass statues shares many traits with that of the sculpture of David. With an animated and determined face, a very dynamic pose using contrapposto, and the context of which each statue is in the David and Frederick Douglass statues both justly depict heroes with proper reverence.
The Frederick Douglass sculpture brings to life a historical figure who helped shape the United States’ future as he was extremely outspoken against slavery and is one of the most well-known abolitionists today. The statue of Frederick Douglass depicts the man in a commanding pose, using contrapposto to convey action and moment as he points to an unseen audience, with his facial features sculpted to give off a sense of adamance and unwavering. Edwards also captures Douglass’s scholarly background and attitude by instead of clutching a weapon or other object, he is seen merely clutching a book close to his chest. Another visual tactic that was employed was placing Douglass on a pedestal while keeping him in life-size. This gives the sculpture a sense of importance while not placing him under the eye of worship in being larger than life or godlike. The artist, Andrew Edwards, also used the surrounding environment of the sculpture as part of the work, with significant quotes and phrases carved into the ground around the sculpture. A further example of the artist’s attempts of grounding Frederick Douglass was the attention to detail in his clothes, being depicted in those of that time which he would wear. The sculpture also being constructed from bronze helps set a tone of immortalization of the subject and significance to history.
Frederick Douglass’s historical impact has been felt for centuries as he helped forge an America that abandoned the ways of slavery. His strong imposing nature, given by his stern expression and elevation from the ground, give off a message of opposition to injustice and those who would deny rights to minorities. While those who have ties to the abolition movement that Douglass fought for may have strong emotions towards the piece, the author’s statements inlaid in the ground also give others who are unfamiliar with him the context of Douglass’s work and the progress he strove for. It also is impactful for the racial struggle that is still going on today, throughout America’s history there has been an issue of racial discrimination and civil rights violations, and his presence as a statue can be seen as an inspiration for those who are facing such struggles today.
David another man of honor facing unfavorable odds, has also been depicted in a manner like Frederick Douglass. The marble statue of David features the man with his arms cocked back holding the slingshot, moments before he would kill Goliath. The dynamic pose and use of contrapposto give off an atmosphere of strength and assertion. The detail on his face as well shows his grit and determination in his straight face and curled lips, instead of a weak smile or frown in defeat. This work is an idealization of David given the large and toned muscles as well as smooth symmetry to his body’s features, especially his face. This depiction of him is also featured on a plinth with objects relevant to his story such as the breastplate that was given to him but he refused to wear, and the harp that he skillfully played (Sculpture Gallery, ARTH 200, 2019; Gian Lorenzo Bernini, David). He was constructed at only 5 feet 6 inches high, so while he may be idealized in this depiction, he was not made out to be godlike or significantly larger than life.
The two greats mentioned before, David and Frederick Douglass, share many similarities not only in narrative but also in there statutorily depictions. One matter of similarity was the style in which they were both created. Both sculptures feature a contrapposto pose, conveying a dynamic scene and giving their subjects a sense of movement and vibrancy to said movement. This effectively enhanced their assertiveness and determination over them being in more still composed poses. Both figures also were idealized in the details that were sculpted. Frederick Douglass was sculpted to appear in his younger to mid-adult years instead of when he was older to tap into that sense of vibrancy and energy that would accommodate such a powerful leader. David was sculpted with intricate and immense physique, showing off his toned and muscular body and especially the symmetrical face which is unlikely to be true to his own back in his time.
Relatability to the audience is key in stirring emotional feelings, by sticking true to history both sculptures were able to heighten their relatability. Both figures were wearing clothes of their time, for Douglass, this meant most likely woolen garments that were of the historical period as well as a fashionable cloak that was sculpted to be flapping against the wind. For David, this meant ancient roman wear like a toga and a pair of sandals for himself. This accuracy allowed for the sculptures to capture a more common appearance for both figures thus allowing many more to relate to these sculptures and their subjects. Along with accuracy, their artists made use of their historical knowledge to include accents that furthermore displayed the personality or narrative of each subject tied to them. For David, the breastplate that was gifted to him before his fight against Goliath can be seen by his feet since he refused to wear it. For Douglass, this meant that in his off-hand he was clutching a book, denoting how scholarly he was and how powerful his diction was at moving a crowd.
For all of their similarities, there are differences between the two sculptures. Beyond the obvious, a clever way that Andrew Edwards went outside of the box, was his inclusion of the surrounding area in his artwork. Incorporating some moving quotes from Douglass around the sculpture encourages the audience to move around and view him from all angles. In addition to this, it also encourages a deeper meaning and understanding of his struggle and his passion for the fight he dedicated much of his life.
Almost 400 years apart and of two seemingly distant subjects, when examined further one can find many more similarities between the two sculptures. Douglass was depicted with grit and determination that was, of course, reminiscent of the stories of him as an abolitionist. While David was depicted as the fearless hero that many have come to know through the famous story of David and Goliath. While geographically and historically distant, these two artists used very similar methods in depicting their subjects. When depicting someone honorarily from history they chose to make them relatable instead of godly, yet still more powerful than thought possible. While Douglass fought for abolition and that later turned to the fight for civil rights, it becomes thought-provoking how two figures so distant from each other have more in common than originally meets the eye, it seems likely that people today would have much more in common than what is seen from the outside as well.
