Philadelphia Public Art @philart.net

Content: Canes, Walking Sticks and Staffs

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Jean-Antoine Houdon, 1788 - 1791
* Statue of George Washington
* standing person, cane
* Copied from the original marble by Houdon in the state capitol at Richmond by special permission of the General Assembly of Virginia. An eternal flame in front of the tomb, and the flags of the 13 original colonies fly along the walk leading up to it.
* inscription:
wall:
Freedom is a light for which many men have died in darkness.
In unmarked graves within this square lie thousands of unknown soldiers of Washington's army who died of wounds and sickness during the revolutionary war.
The independence and liberty you possess are the work of joint councils and joint efforts of common dangers, sufferings, and success.
- Washington's farewell address, Sept. 17, 1796.
statue:
In memory of John Mclheiny
tomb:
Under this stone rests a soldier of Washington's Army who died to give you liberty
plaque:
The eternal flame dedicated in 1976 by Continental Bank in memory of those who fought and gave their lives that we might celebrate our 200th anniversary as a free people.
* Tomb. West side of Washington Square. South of 7th and Walnut.
* 39.947100,-75.152750 [map] [nearby]
* On the Washington Square tour
* Exhibits: War
* See also:
+ushistory.org page for this piece
+wikipedia.org's Jean-Antoine Houdon page
+wikipedia.org's George Washington page
+wikipedia.org's Washington Square page

Benjamin Franklin
Francesco Lazzarini, 1789 (original)
* Statue of Benjamin Franklin
* standing person, staff, books
* Replica of Benjamin Franklin
* Pediment. Library Hall. 105 S. 5th St, West side of 5th, South of Chestnut.
* 39.948425,-75.149190 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* See also:
+ushistory.org's The Electric Ben Franklin
+ushistory.org's history of the Library Company

Benjamin Franklin
Francesco Lazzarini, 1789
* Statue of Benjamin Franklin
* standing person, staff, books,
* Behind dark and very reflective glass.
* The replica in the original location at 5th and Chestnut: Benjamin Franklin
* inscription:
Philadelphia merchant William Bingham commissioned this marble statue to honor Franklin. It was carved in Carrara, Italy and installed in 1792 in a niche above the entrance to the Library Company's first building on Fifth Street South of Chestnut Street. As seen in William Birch's 1800 engraving, above.
Exposure to the elements at its original site and in later years has produced the evident deterioration.
The dedication stone below the statue reads:
This statue of Dr. Benjamin Franklin was presented by William Bingham, Esq. MDCCXCII
* Front window. Library Company of Philadelphia. South side of Locust between 13th and Juniper.
* 39.947975,-75.163065 [map] [nearby]
* On the Gayborhood tour
* Exhibits: Moved
* See also:
+ushistory.org's The Electric Ben Franklin
+librarycompany.org

Saint James
1887 (year of building)
* Statue of Saint James
* standing person, staff
* Carved for the building in Italy. Behind mesh that isn't visible from the street but partially obscures the picture.
* Niche above the entrance arch. St. Agatha - St. James Church. Southeast corner, 38th and Chestnut.
* 39.955000,-75.198250 [map] [nearby]
* On the Chestnut 29th to 40th tour
* Exhibits: Religious
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's James the Great page
+saintsaj.org

The Immigrant
Heinz Warneke, 1940
* kneeling person, staff
* inscription: They came seeking freedom
* Central Terrace Ellen Phillips Samuel Memorial. Kelly Drive, past Boat House Row.
* 39.973800,-75.190925 [map] [nearby]
* On the Kelly Drive tour
* See also:
+syr.edu Heinz Warneke papers
+ushistory.org's Samuel Memorial tour page

The Journeyer
Lindsay Daen, 1975
* standing person, walking stick
* inscription:
General Accident Fire & Life Assurance Corporation Ltd.
Dedicated to the 200th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America and to the great journey upon which this nation is engaged.
Erected June 5, 1975 in cooperation with the Redevelopment Authority of Philadelphia
* Just East of Horticulture Hall on the East end of the Horticulture Center. Horticultural Drive. East of Belmont.
* 39.983500,-75.209500 [map] [nearby]
* On the West Park tour
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Lindsay Daen page
+myphillypark.org's Horticulture Center page

Andrey Sheptytsky
* Statue of Andrey Sheptytsky
* standing person, crown, staff, crosses
* Behind a fence, but visible from the sidewalk.
* inscription: 1865-1944
* On the grounds just South of the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. West side of Franklin between Brown and Poplar (Franklin is one block East of 8th).
* 39.965875,-75.150300 [map] [nearby]
* On the Northern Liberties tour
* Exhibits: Religious
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Andrey Sheptytsky page
+facebook.com page for the Cathedral

George Washington
Joseph Alexis Bailly, 1869
* Statue of George Washington
* standing person, book, cane
* behind the Independence Hall security perimeter, but visible across Chestnut. The first two pictures are from a print taken before the perimeter was established.
* In front of Independence Hall. South side of Chestnut between 5th and 6th.
* 39.949050,-75.150000 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* See also:
+phillyhistory.org 1913 picture of this piece
+phillyhistory.org 1929 picture of this piece
+wikipedia.org's Joseph Alexis Bailly page
+wikipedia.org's George Washington page
+wikipedia.org's Independence Hall page

Warwick Apartments
Price and McLanahan Architects, 1901
* small chained bear, ragged staff (symbols of Warwickshire)
* Over the entrance. South side of Sansom, West of 19th.
* 39.951150,-75.172760 [map] [nearby]
* On the Rittenhouse Square tour
* See also:
+philadelphiabuildings.org page for the building
+chivalheraldry.co.uk West Midlands page
+philadelphiabuildings.org page for Price and McLanahan Architects

St. Augustine and St. Patrick
1907
* Statues of Saint Augustine and Saint Patrick
* standing people, hats, staffs, religious symbols
* Front wall. National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia. West side of Broad, South of Ellsworth.
* 39.936300,-75.167350 [map] [nearby]
* On the Avenue of the Arts tour
* Exhibits: Religious
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Augustine of Hippo page
+wikipedia.org's Saint Patrick page
+saintritashrine.org

Benjamin Franklin
R. Tait McKenzie, 1914
* Statue of Benjamin Franklin
* standing person, hat, walking stick, bag of belongings
* Also listed as "Youthful Franklin." A small version of this piece is in the Children's Department of the main library at 20th and Race.
* inscription:
front: Benjamin Franklin in 1723
left: "I have been the more particular in this description of my journey that you may compare such unlikely beginnings with the figure I have since made there." -Franklin to his son.
right: This memorial dedicated to the Tenth Reunion of the Class of 1904 is a tribute to the inspiration and example of the founder of the University to many generations of the sons of Pennsylvania
* East side of 33rd Street, North of Spruce.
* 39.950800,-75.191000 [map] [nearby]
* On the Penn Campus tour
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's R. Tait McKenzie page
+ushistory.org's The Electric Ben Franklin

Public Ledger Building
Horace Trumbauer (Architect), 1924
* reclining people, head scarf, scepter, burning oil lamp, quills, scrolls, books and tablets
* Entrances. Southwest corner, 6th and Chestnut.
* 39.949200,-75.150850 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* See also:
+philadelphiabuilding.org's page for the building
+philadelphiabuildings.org's Horace Trumbauer page

Robert Morris
Paul Wayland Bartlett, 1925
* Statue of Robert Morris
* standing person, hat, cane, papers
* inscription: Patriot, Statesman, Financier, 1734-1806
* North side of Walnut between 4th and 5th.
* 39.947700,-75.148600 [map] [nearby]
* On the Washington Square tour
* Exhibits: Moved
* See also:
+phillyhistory.org picture of this piece, probably from in front of the Second Bank
+wikipedia.org's Paul Wayland Bartlett page
+wikipedia.org's Robert Morris page

William Pepper
Karl Bitter, 1896
* Statue of William Pepper
* sitting and kneeling people, chair, plants, staff
* Another copy can be found at the Main Library on the landing of the stairs to the second floor.
* inscription:
M.D. L.L.D.
Provost of the
University
of
Pennsylvania
1881-1894
There will be sleeping enough in the grave.
All things exist in the man tinged with the manners of his soul.
* South side of College Hall. North of Spruce, West of 34th.
* 39.951230,-75.193825 [map] [nearby]
* On the Penn Campus tour
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Karl Bitter page
+wikipedia.org's William Pepper page
+wikipedia.org's College Hall page

The Pilgrim
Augustus Saint-Gaudens, 1904
* standing person, hat, Bible, walking stick
* Other side of Kelly Drive at Lemon Hill Drive.
* 39.970100,-75.188660 [map] [nearby]
* On the Kelly Drive tour
* Exhibits: Favorites, Religious, Moved
* See also:
+phillyhistory.org 1912 picture of this piece outside City Hall on a different base

Rebecca at the Well
John J. Boyle, 1908
* Biblical scene of Rebecca
* people standing, head coverings, walking stick, jug, camels
* inscription:
Drink and I will give thy camels drink also.- Genesis XXIV:XIV
I give this legacy for a triple purpose: to ornament the city that William Penn founded, to refresh the weary and thirsty, both man and beast, and to commemorate a fact of sacred story. - Extract from the will of Mary Rebecca Darby Smith
This monument was removed from Twelth and Spring Garden Streets and erected by the Philadelphia Fountain Society 1934
* East end of the Horticulture Center. Horticultural Drive. East of Belmont..
* 39.983625,-75.208700 [map] [nearby]
* On the West Park tour
* Exhibits: Religious, Moved
* See also:
+Max Buten's picture of this piece
+wikipedia.org's John J. Boyle page
+wikipedia.org's Rebecca page
+myphillypark.org's Horticulture Center page

St. Mary's School Doors
1970
* Partial representations of John Adams, John Carroll, Katherine Drexel, Michael Francis Egan, Robert Harding and George Washington
* small partial people, hats, staff, ship, weapons, crosses
* Visible through the gate. Designed to echo the stained glass doors. The reference to Katherine Drexel is from the school's website.
* North entrance. Saint Mary Interparochial School. South side of Locust, East of 5th.
* 39.946080,-75.149510 [map] [nearby]
* On the Society Hill tour
* Exhibits: Religious, War
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's John Adams page
+wikipedia.org's John Carroll page
+wikipedia.org's Katherine Drexel page
+wikipedia.org's Michael Francis Egan page
+jstor.org article about Robert Harding
+wikipedia.org's George Washington page
+saintmarys.us

Benjamin Franklin
George Lundeen, 1987
* Statue of Benjamin Franklin
* small seated person, bench, eyeglasses, cane, newspaper, pigeon
* East side of 37th Street, just South of Locust Walk.
* 39.952150,-75.196975 [map] [nearby]
* On the Penn Campus tour
* See also:
+lundeensculpture.com's George Lundeen page
+ushistory.org's The Electric Ben Franklin

Mary and Jesus
1897 (date of building)
* statue of Jesus and Mary
* people, one standing, one sitting, crown, scepter
* Up on the wall. Saint Mary's Episcopal Church. North side of Bainbridge, West of 18th.
* 39.943750,-75.173075 [map] [nearby]
* On the Fitler Square tour
* Exhibits: Religious
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Jesus page
+wikipedia.org's Mary, mother of Jesus page

Classical Scene
1910 (MDCCCX)
* Reliefs of Athena and Hermes
* people standing, sitting, winged helmet, kerykeion, tablet, furniture
* Wall. North side of Chestnut between 7th and 8th.
* 39.949550,-75.153000 [map] [nearby]
* On the Independence Mall tour
* Exhibits: Unidentified
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Athena page
+wikipedia.org's Hermes page

Packard Building Sign
Samuel Yellin, 1924 (year on sign)
* small standing, kneeling people, tools, scroll, staff, oar, plants, lamps, eagle, lion's head, seashell, urns, griffins, sign
* Yellin is not listed anywhere as the artist for the sign, but he is listed as the metal worker for the building
* West Entrance. Packard Building. East side of 15th, South of Chestnut.
* 39.950650,-75.165650 [map] [nearby]
* On the Avenue of the Arts tour
* See also:
+philadelphiabuildings.orgs's Samuel Yellin page
+samuelyellin.com
+philadelphiabuildings.org's Packard Building page

Art Museum North Pediment
Carl Paul Jennewein, 1932 (Museum website says 1933)
* group of people, some standing, some sitting or lying, winged person, headgear, staff, sun, sword, furniture, musical instrument, owl, snake, lion
* North Pediment. Front of the Art Museum. 25th and the Parkway.
* 39.965625,-75.180275 [map] [nearby]
* On the Art Museum Grounds tour
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Carl Paul Jennewein page
+philamuseum.org

The Tableau
1986
* Representations of Adam, David, Eve, Isaiah and The Magi
* groups of people, standing people, furniture, sitting people, headgear, staffs, crutch, tools, Earth, sun, moon, planets, stars, water, buildings, plants, lion, lamb, food, serpent, symbols
* Includes a representation of the City Hall William Penn
* inscription: A series of 8 Sculptured Murals commissioned by Monsigner Charles V. Devlin, PA, in 1986.
The first half of the tableau tells a story via excerpts from biblical history from the creation of the world to the birth of Jesus Christ:
I. Creation
II. Expulsion from the Garden of Eden
III. The Prophet Isaiah prophesying the Messiah
IV. King David
V. The Three Wisemen of the Epiphnany
The second half depicts the mission of St. John the Evangelist Church and how we can all continue the mystery of God's love by caring for the needs of:
VI. The sick
VII. The homeless and needy
VIII. The imprisoned
"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was naked and you clothed me, ...I was ill and you comforted me, in prison and you came to visit me."
* North side of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. East side of 13th between Chestnut and Market.
* 39.951300,-75.161300 [map] [nearby]
* On the Convention District tour
* Exhibits: Religious
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Adam page
+wikipedia.org's David page
+wikipedia.org's Eve page
+wikipedia.org's Isaiah page
+wikipedia.org's Magi page
+stjohnsphilly.org

National Monument to Scottish Immigration
Terry Jones, 2011
* standing people, dog, hats, weapons, staff, sitting people, furniture, books, scrolls and quills, buildings, horses, carts, trunks, clouds, ships, symbols, logos, and insignia, parts of people, lion, birds
* This piece is listed under many different names. The name shown here is from the standrewsociety.org. Was on the East side of Front, South of Chestnut. Moved late 2023 through early 2024. Pictures are from the original location.
* inscription: (excerpt)
This monument to Scottish Immigrants seeks to provide a broad perspective on the rise and movement of the Scots over many continents and centuries. On either side of this Monument you will find Standing Stones which will assist you in understanding this ancient and ongoing process. The Standing Stones are part of the landscape and history of all the Celtic lands. Many remain in Scotland today. While the original purpose of these stones is not known, it is believed they served a spiritual purpose, and may have had scientific astronomic significance as well. We have adopted them in the monument as symbolic of Scotland's ancient past.
* Southwest corner of Foglietta Plaza. North side of Spruce at Front.
* 39.944475,-75.143550 [map] [nearby]
* On the Penn's Landing tour
* Exhibits: Moved
* See also:
+standrewsociety.org
+terryjonessculpture.com

City Hall, South Pavilion
Alexander Milne Calder, 1873 - 1893
* standing people, sitting people, heads, birds, dragons, book and scrolls, staff, cats, seal of Pennsylvania, horses, ship, plow, plants, bison head, squirrel, headgear
* Part of the whole building's art. City Hall. North side of S. Penn Square at Broad.
* 39.951825,-75.163650 [map] [nearby]
* On the City Hall tour
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Alexander Milne Calder page
+philadelphiabuildings.org's City Hall page
+wikipedia.org's City Hall page

St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church
1907
* Representations of Jesus, Joseph and Mary
* people sitting, kneeling, standing, headgear, book, manger, furniture, staff, sheep, ox, heads, winged people
* The Springfield side of the building was obscured by scaffolding when these pictures were taken in August, 2010. The church web site has pictures of the front doors.
* inscription: The Word was made flesh
* Whole building. St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. Northeast corner, 47th and Springfield.
* 39.947150,-75.215194 [map] [nearby]
* Exhibits: Religious
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Jesus page
+wikipedia.org's Saint Joseph page
+wikipedia.org's Mary, mother of Jesus page
+desalesphilly.com

United States Custom House
Ritter and Shay (Architect), 1932
* people sitting and kneeling, face, farming, navigation, and artist tools, ship, buildings, rope, ox and bison, staff, food, birds, globe, plants, dolphin border
* Whole building. South side of Chestnut, West of 2nd.
* 39.948300,-75.144185 [map] [nearby]
* On the Penn's Landing tour
* See also:
+philadelphiabuildings.org's page for the building
+philadelphiabuildings.org's Ritter and Shay page

Irish Memorial
Glenna Goodacre, 2002 (opened late 2003)
* small group of people standing, lying and sitting, grave stones, crosses, shovel, part of a ship, luggage, cane, hats
* Was on the Southeast corner, Front and Chestnut. Moved late 2023 through early 2024. Pictures are from the original location.
* inscription: (excerpt)
Remembrance
The hunger ended
but it never went away
It was there in silent memories,
from one generation
to the next,
The time to take away
the silence has come,
to commemorate,
to mourn what was lost
to celebrate what survives -
without apology or fear.
We have it in our power
not only to remember
what took place but to relive it...
To find in the hungry and lost,
not a different race...
but the faces of our ancestors...
An image of ourselves.
-Peter Quinn
* Southwest corner of Foglietta Plaza. Northeast corner of Spruce and 38th Parallel Place.
* 39.944500,-75.143825 [map] [nearby]
* On the Penn's Landing tour
* Exhibits: Favorites, Moved
* See also:
+wikipedia.org's Glenna Goodacre page