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1907-June 2003 |
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Felix
de Weldon (1907–2003) is considered the last
great master of sculpture. With more than two thousand
public monuments, Felix de Weldon was not only the
most prolific monumental sculptor in history, but
until his death, on June 3rd, 2003, he was known
to be the only sculptor in the history of the world
with monuments on every continent (Admiral Byrd
in Antarctica). He completed thirty-three monuments
in Washington, DC alone, while his closest competitor
completed only three.
Born in Austria in April 1907, his first giant step
to fame was in 1924. At age 18, he received the
commission to do a monument to commemorate President
Hoover’s Children’s Relief in Europe
(The Call of Youth). Upon its completion in 1927,
he received worldwide recognition.
After earning his PhD in 1929, he decided to broaden
his knowledge of ancient and modern art. He went
to Florence and Rome where he had the opportunity
to study the impressive works of Greek and Roman
masters, like Phydias, Polyclitus and Myron, as
well as the geniuses of the Renaissance: Michelangelo,
Leonardo da Vinci, and Donatello. Next he went to
Spain where he studied the works of Goya and Velazquez.
Then he moved to Paris where he studied intensely
the works of Rodin, Maillol and Bourdelle.
After studying archeology at Oxford, he settled
in London. There he established his art studio and
members of the royal family attended his first one-man
exhibit. His bust of King George V was honored by
being placed in the National Portrait Gallery and
won him the title of Sir Felix de Weldon. He was
invited to Canada to sculpt Prime Minister McKenzie
who recommended de Weldon to travel to the United
States. In America, he was deeply impressed by the
friendliness of the people and extensive studies
of early American art. He developed a deep understanding
of the country and undertook numerous national as
well as international commissions.
After proving his attributes as an artist, in 1950
he was appointed Commissioner of Fine Arts by President
Truman, where he served in order to raise awareness
of art and sculpture. Felix de Weldon was Commissioner
of Fine Arts under five Presidents.
His love for humanity and understanding of the human
condition prompted many organizations to seek his
works.
He created national monuments, such as the International
Red Cross Monument, which is a statement to the
selfless actions of people who crossed borders to
change lives. He also sculpted the International
AIDS Monument to commemorate the lives lost to that
terrible disease.
His love for humankind and empathy toward suffering
inspired him to create the Peace Monument, a sculpture
dedicated to the dream of a world without war.
Felix de Weldon was responsible for creating the
most recognizable monument of the 20th Century,
the Iwo Jima War Memorial, which is the largest
bronze sculpture in the world to date. |
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