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{{Short description|Public artwork by Enrico Vittori}}
{{Original research|date=January 2022}}
{{Infobox artwork
{{Infobox artwork
| image_file = File:Christopher Columbus by Enrico Vittori (1920) - panoramio - WSaves PublicArt.jpg
| image_file = File:Christopher Columbus by Enrico Vittori (1920) - panoramio - WSaves PublicArt.jpg
| painting_alignment =
| painting_alignment =
| image_size = 200px
| image_size =
| title = Christopher Columbus
| title = Christopher Columbus
| alt =
| alt =
Line 24: Line 26:
| city = [[Indianapolis]]
| city = [[Indianapolis]]
| museum = [[Indiana Statehouse]]
| museum = [[Indiana Statehouse]]
| mapframe = yes
| mapframe-zoom = 13
| coordinates = {{coord|39|46|4.85|N|86|9|47.45|W|region:US}}
| coordinates = {{coord|39|46|4.85|N|86|9|47.45|W|region:US}}
| owner = State of Indiana Department of Administration
| owner = State of Indiana Department of Administration
}}
}}


'''''Christopher Columbus''''' is a public artwork by Italian artist [[Enrico Vittori]] and located on the grounds of the [[Indiana Statehouse]] in [[Indianapolis, Indiana]]. The sculpted bronze bust of Christopher Columbus sits atop a pedestal that has relief carvings on its front, left and right sides. The sculpture is installed in the southwest corner of the Indiana Statehouse lawn and was presented in 1920 as a gift from Italian immigrant communities in Indiana.<ref name="Greiff">{{cite book | last =Greiff | first =Glory-June | title =Remembrance, Faith & Fancy: Outdoor Public Sculpture in Indiana | publisher =Indiana Historical Society Press | year =2005 | location =Indianapolis | page=30 and 165 | url = | isbn =0-87195-180-0}}</ref>
'''''Christopher Columbus''''' is a public artwork by Italian artist [[Enrico Vittori]] and located on the grounds of the [[Indiana Statehouse]] in [[Indianapolis, Indiana]]. The sculpture was installed on the southwest corner of the Indiana Statehouse lawn in 1920 as a gift from Italian immigrant communities in Indiana.<ref name="Greiff">{{cite book | last =Greiff | first =Glory-June | title =Remembrance, Faith & Fancy: Outdoor Public Sculpture in Indiana | publisher =Indiana Historical Society Press | year =2005 | location =Indianapolis | page=30 and 165 | isbn =0-87195-180-0}}</ref>

==Artistic message==

As indicated by the plaque, the artist was charged to illustrate the theme of "the perennial genius abiding in the Italian race."
Vittori has depicted "the perennial genius of the Italian race" in the symbolic figure of a young white man in the center of the frieze. He is scantily dressed in a barely-there flowing garment, echoing traditional artistic representations of Roman gods. He is crowned with a wreath of [[Laurel (plant)|laurel]], symbolizing wisdom. Vittori drives home the message of his racial nobility by positioning three deferentially posed figures around him.

The most dramatic of these is a stylized representation of the Native American race. Vittori has dressed this Chief in stereotypical feathered headdress, and positioned him kneeling at the left foot of the white man, looking upward in awe of the perennial genius of the Italian race. Vittori has sculpted the chief with his lips reaching upward and pursed as if straining to kiss the hem of the noble man's garment.

Behind the figure representing "the perennial genius of the Italian race" stands a Black male slave. Since the statue's material does not allow for the depiction of skin color, Vittori indicated the Black race by depicting its figure with "wooly" hair. Vittoria poses the black race standing at the white man's right hand, symbolizing his eagerness to serve. The Black race deferentially avoids eye contact with "the perennial genius of the Italian Race."

At the right foot of the "perennial genius of the Italian race," also a position of subordination, kneels a figure representing white womanhood. Like the Black slave, she avoids eye contact with the "perennial genius of the Italian race." Instead, her gaze is directed squarely at his nearby loincloth.


==Description==
==Description==
The bust of explorer [[Christopher Columbus]] is cast in [[bronze]].<ref name="SOS report">{{cite web | title =Art Inventories Catalog: Christopher Columbus, (sculpture) | work = | publisher =Smithsonian American Art Museum | date =1994 | url =http://siris-artinventories.si.edu/ipac20/ipac.jsp?session=12K0124F60B95.14570&profile=ariall&uri=link=3100006~!308369~!3100001~!3100002&aspect=Browse&menu=search&ri=2&source=~!siartinventories&term=Vittori%2C+Enrico%2C+sculptor.&index=AUTHOR | format = | accessdate =15 November 2010 }}</ref> He wears a period costume, and his hair falls at approximately chin length. His facial expression is unsmiling, his chin is raised slightly and his eyes gaze off to his left. On the sculpture's proper left, below his left shoulder, the artist's name is inscribed as <small>E. VITTORI</small>.<ref name="SOS report"/> The bust of Columbus measures approximately {{convert|39|in|cm|sp=us}} by {{convert|23|in|cm|sp=us}} by {{convert|29|in|cm|sp=us}}; it stands on a [[granite]] pedestal measuring approximately {{convert|82|in|cm|sp=us}} by {{convert|62|in|cm|sp=us}} by {{convert|58|in|cm|sp=us}} and a base that measures {{convert|14.5|in|cm|sp=us}} by {{convert|80|in|cm|sp=us}} by {{convert|76|in|cm|sp=us}}.<ref name="SOS report"/>
The bust of explorer [[Christopher Columbus]] is cast in [[bronze]].<ref name="SOS report">{{cite web | title =Art Inventories Catalog: Christopher Columbus, (sculpture) | publisher =Smithsonian American Art Museum | date =1994 | url =http://siris-artinventories.si.edu/ipac20/ipac.jsp?session=12K0124F60B95.14570&profile=ariall&uri=link=3100006~!308369~!3100001~!3100002&aspect=Browse&menu=search&ri=2&source=~!siartinventories&term=Vittori%2C+Enrico%2C+sculptor.&index=AUTHOR | access-date =15 November 2010 }}</ref> He wears a period costume, and his hair falls at approximately chin length. His facial expression is unsmiling, his chin is raised slightly and his eyes gaze off to his left. On the sculpture's proper left, below his left shoulder, the artist's name is inscribed as <small>E. VITTORI</small>.<ref name="SOS report"/> The bust of Columbus measures approximately {{convert|39|in|cm|sp=us}} by {{convert|23|in|cm|sp=us}} by {{convert|29|in|cm|sp=us}}; it stands on a [[granite]] pedestal measuring approximately {{convert|82|in|cm|sp=us}} by {{convert|62|in|cm|sp=us}} by {{convert|58|in|cm|sp=us}} and a base that measures {{convert|14.5|in|cm|sp=us}} by {{convert|80|in|cm|sp=us}} by {{convert|76|in|cm|sp=us}}.<ref name="SOS report"/>

⚫
Below the bust is a [[granite]] pedestal with a [[commemorative plaque|plaque]] and [[relief|relief carvings]] underneath.<ref name="SOS report"/> The carving on the front of the pedestal depicts a figure grouping with a man draped in fabric and wearing a crown of laurels standing in the center. His left arm is raised in the air and right hand rests in front of his waist. To the left and right of this man, three figures are featured, two of whom are kneeling before him. The relief on the pedestal's proper right side depicts a seated woman with her right hand resting on her chest and left hand on a large anchor; her head is turned to her right. The relief on the pedestal's proper left side is a profile view of a seated woman resting her right elbow on a globe. Below the relief sculptures, the pedestal slopes outward to meet a two-stepped granite base.<ref name="SOS report"/>

==Controversies==

On the Centennial of the Statue's dedication, [[Indianapolis]] City-County Councilor Jason Larrison publicly called for the statue to be removed. Speaking from the [[Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art]], Larrison objected to the public celebration of a historical figure infamous for his role in the genocide of the Native American peoples, and the pain this must cause to their descendants alive today. <ref name="Columbus and Genocide">{{cite magazine |author=Edward T. Stone |title=Columbus and Genocide |magazine=American Heritage |url=https://www.americanheritage.com/columbus-and-genocide |access-date=18 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020140406/https://www.americanheritage.com/columbus-and-genocide |archive-date=2020-10-20}}</ref>

⚫
== Historical context ==

The Knights of Columbus was established in the late 19th century as a Catholic fraternal order. At the time, sentiment against Italian immigration was high in America. It still identifies as an organization of Catholic men, although it is not exclusive to Italian Americans. Leading up to 1920, celebrated at the 500th anniversary of Columbus' arrival in the Americas, the Knights of Columbus celebrated Italian racial pride by encouraging local groups to take up collections to erect statues of Christopher Columbus.

==Historical information==
[[File:Topics, 1920-10-20 - DPLA - 7dbffb7dd2ebb9dbeb6d8632080b6c57 (page 19) (cropped 2).jpg|thumb|150px|A newspaper article from October 1920 depicts the soon-to-be-installed statue.]]
⚫
''Christopher Columbus'' was created by Enrico (Harry) Vittori, an Italian artist who lived in Indianapolis.<ref name="Greiff"/><ref name="Marian"/> Vittori attended the [[Florence Academy of Art]] in [[Florence, Italy]], and traveled to Indianapolis in 1919 to work for an airplane company.<ref name="Article"/> The sculpture was presented to the state of Indiana in 1920 by members of Indiana's Italian community.<ref name="SOS report"/> It is the only monument at the Indiana Statehouse donated by immigrants, and it was intended by the Italians to be a tribute to America.<ref name="Marian">Divita, James J. (7 January 1994). “Christopher Columbus Monument, State House”. Marian College (Indianapolis).</ref> The monument stood unchanged for 35 years. In 1955 the [[Knights of Columbus]] funded the cleaning of the bronze bust and the addition of new bronze lettering on the back of the pedestal.<ref name="NIAF">{{cite web | title =Tributes to Christopher Columbus in the United States | publisher =National Italian American Foundation | url =http://www.niaf.org/research/report_columbus.asp | access-date =5 November 2010 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20100706064354/https://www.niaf.org/research/report_columbus.asp | archive-date =6 July 2010 | url-status =dead }}</ref> The sculpture was modified again in 1992 during the Columbus Quincentenary, which celebrated the 500th anniversary of Columbus's voyage to America. The Knights of Columbus installed a plaque bearing another statement about Christopher Columbus.<ref name="NIAF"/> This one contains the line, "May the genius abiding in the Italian Race encourage tolerance and acceptance of all cultures as America's ultimate contribution to humanity."

==Plaques and text==

⚫
[[File:Christopher Columbus by Enrico Vittori (1920) - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Back of pedestal]]
⚫
Metal lettering on the pedestal's back reads:
⚫
:ERECTED A.D. 1920
⚫
:BY THE ITALIANS
⚫
:OF INDIANAPOLIS KOKOMO
⚫
:LOGANSPORT RICHMOND
⚫
:ETC.<ref name="SOS report"/>


⚫
Below the bust is a [[granite]] pedestal with a [[commemorative plaque|plaque]] and [[relief|relief carvings]] underneath.<ref name="SOS report"/> The carving on the front of the pedestal depicts a figure grouping with a man draped in fabric and wearing a crown of laurels standing in the center. His left arm is raised in the air and right hand rests in front of his waist. To the left and right of this man, three figures of Native Americans are featured, two of whom are kneeling before him; one on either side. The kneeling figure on Columbus's left is a man, while the two figures on his right are women, one of whom is standing just behind his right shoulder. The relief on the pedestal's proper right side depicts a seated woman with her right hand resting on her chest and left hand on a large anchor; her head is turned to her right. The relief on the pedestal's proper left side is a profile view of a seated woman resting her right elbow on a globe. Below the relief sculptures, the pedestal slopes outward to meet a two-stepped granite base.<ref name="SOS report"/>


The plaque on the pedestal's front states:
A plaque on the pedestal's front, added in 1956, states:
:CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS
:CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS
:BORN IN GENOA, ITALY 1451. DISCOVERED
:BORN IN GENOA, ITALY 1451. DISCOVERED
Line 45: Line 83:
:REFURBISHED BY KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS 1956.<ref name="SOS report"/>
:REFURBISHED BY KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS 1956.<ref name="SOS report"/>


⚫
[[File:Christopher Columbus by Enrico Vittori (1920) - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Back of pedestal]]
⚫
Metal lettering on the pedestal's back reads:
⚫
:ERECTED A.D. 1920
⚫
:BY THE ITALIANS
⚫
:OF INDIANAPOLIS KOKOMO
⚫
:LOGANSPORT RICHMOND
⚫
:ETC.<ref name="SOS report"/>


A plaque on the pedestal's back reads:
A plaque on the pedestal's back, added in 1992 reads:
:THE COLUMBUS QUINCENTENARY JUBILEE
:THE COLUMBUS QUINCENTENARY JUBILEE
:COMMISSION OF INDIANA INC., IN BEHALF
:COMMISSION OF INDIANA INC., IN BEHALF
Line 64: Line 95:
:AMERICA'S ULTIMATE CONTRIBUTION TO HUMANITY.<ref name="SOS report"/>
:AMERICA'S ULTIMATE CONTRIBUTION TO HUMANITY.<ref name="SOS report"/>


⚫
==Historical information==
⚫
''Christopher Columbus'' was created by Enrico (Harry) Vittori, an Italian artist who lived in Indianapolis.<ref name="Greiff"/><ref name="Marian"/> Vittori attended the Florence Academy of Art in [[Florence, Italy]], and traveled to Indianapolis in 1919 to work for an airplane company.<ref name="Article"/> The sculpture was presented to the state of Indiana in 1920 by members of Indiana's Italian community.<ref name="SOS report"/> It is the only monument at the Indiana Statehouse donated by immigrants, and it was intended by the Italians to be a tribute to America.<ref name="Marian">Divita, James J. (7 January 1994). “Christopher Columbus Monument, State House”. Marian College (Indianapolis).</ref> The monument stood unchanged for 35 years. In 1955 the [[Knights of Columbus]] funded the cleaning of the bronze bust and the addition of new bronze lettering on the back of the pedestal.<ref name="NIAF">{{cite web | title =Tributes to Christopher Columbus in the United States | publisher =National Italian American Foundation | url =http://www.niaf.org/research/report_columbus.asp | accessdate =5 November 2010 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20100706064354/https://www.niaf.org/research/report_columbus.asp | archive-date =6 July 2010 | url-status =dead }}</ref> The sculpture was modified again in 1992 during the Columbus Quincentenary, which celebrated the 500th anniversary of Columbus's voyage to America. The Knights of Columbus installed a plaque bearing another statement about Christopher Columbus, bringing the total number of written statements on the pedestal to three.<ref name="NIAF"/>

⚫
===Location history===
⚫
''Christopher Columbus'' was installed on the Indiana Statehouse lawn shortly after its completion and has not been moved or viewed in any other location.<ref name="SOS report"/> However, the initial proposal for the sculpture requested that the piece be erected in one of the Indianapolis parks, and the location of "University Square" was listed as a potential site for the monument.<ref name="Article">Unknown author (17 June 1919). “Indianapolis Italians to Offer City Monument to Christopher Columbus”. Indianapolis News (Indianapolis).</ref>


===Acquisition===
===Acquisition===
''Christopher Columbus'' was a gift from a group of Italian immigrants who lived in Indiana.<ref name="Greiff"/><ref name="SOS report"/> It was commissioned with proceeds from a fundraising campaign led by Vincent A. LaPenta, a surgeon and scientist who presided over the executive committee of Italian Propaganda.<ref name="Map">{{cite web | title =Public Art Locator: Christopher Columbus | publisher =Public Art Indianapolis | url =http://www.publicartindianapolis.org/pal.aspx | format =map | accessdate =23 November 2010 | url-status =dead | archiveurl =https://web.archive.org/web/20110727191409/http://www.publicartindianapolis.org/pal.aspx/ | archivedate =27 July 2011 }}</ref> Indiana Governor James P. Goodrich dedicated the sculpture on October 31, 1920.<ref name="Map"/> LaPenta spoke at the dedication ceremony and stated, "Columbus can be considered humanity's greatest benefactor."<ref name="Marian"/>
''Christopher Columbus'' was a gift from a group of Italian immigrants who lived in Indiana.<ref name="Greiff"/><ref name="SOS report"/> It was commissioned with proceeds from a fundraising campaign led by Vincent A. LaPenta, a surgeon and scientist who presided over the executive committee of Italian Propaganda.<ref name="Map">{{cite web | title =Public Art Locator: Christopher Columbus | publisher =Public Art Indianapolis | url =http://www.publicartindianapolis.org/pal.aspx | format =map | access-date =23 November 2010 | url-status =dead | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20110727191409/http://www.publicartindianapolis.org/pal.aspx/ | archive-date =27 July 2011 }}</ref> Indiana Governor James P. Goodrich dedicated the sculpture on October 31, 1920.<ref name="Map"/> LaPenta spoke at the dedication ceremony and stated, "Columbus can be considered humanity's greatest benefactor."<ref name="Marian"/>


The sculpture is owned by the State of Indiana, Department of Administration.<ref name="SOS report"/>
The sculpture is owned by the State of Indiana, Department of Administration.<ref name="SOS report"/>

⚫
===Location history===
⚫
''Christopher Columbus'' was installed on the Indiana Statehouse lawn shortly after its completion and has not been moved or viewed in any other location.<ref name="SOS report"/> However, the initial proposal for the sculpture requested that the piece be erected in one of the Indianapolis parks, and the location of "University Square" was listed as a potential site for the monument.<ref name="Article">Unknown author (17 June 1919). “Indianapolis Italians to Offer City Monument to Christopher Columbus”. Indianapolis News (Indianapolis).</ref>


==Condition==
==Condition==
[[File:Christopher Columbus by Enrico Vittori - June 2022 - Sarah Stierch.jpg|thumb|Bird feces on the bust in June 2022.]]
''Christopher Columbus'' was cleaned in 1992.<ref name="NIAF"/> Surveyed in 1994 as part of the [[Save Outdoor Sculpture!]] project with an overall condition rated as "good",<ref name="SOS report"/> it was determined that the sculpture would benefit from conservation treatment.<ref name="Wilgus">Wilgus, Sue Ann (9 December 1993). “SOS! Survey Questionnaire”. National Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Property (Washington, D.C.).</ref> In particular, the piece suffered from metallic staining, erosion, green caulking on the pedestal, and bird guano.<ref name="Wilgus"/>
''Christopher Columbus'' was cleaned in 1992.<ref name="NIAF"/> Surveyed in 1994 as part of the [[Save Outdoor Sculpture!]] project with an overall condition rated as "good",<ref name="SOS report"/> it was determined that the sculpture would benefit from conservation treatment.<ref name="Wilgus">Wilgus, Sue Ann (9 December 1993). “SOS! Survey Questionnaire”. National Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Property (Washington, D.C.).</ref> In particular, the piece suffered from metallic staining, erosion, green caulking on the pedestal, and bird guano.<ref name="Wilgus"/>


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Hendricks Monument]]
* ''[[Thomas A. Hendricks Monument]]''
* [[List of public art at the Indiana Statehouse]]
* [[List of public art at the Indiana Statehouse]]


Line 86: Line 116:


==External links==
==External links==
{{commons cat|Christopher Columbus (Enrico Vittori)}}
*[https://www.flickr.com/groups/indiana_statehouse/ Public Art at the Indiana Statehouse]
*[https://www.flickr.com/groups/indiana_statehouse/ Public Art at the Indiana Statehouse]
*[http://www.heritagepreservation.org/programs/sos/finding.html/ Save Outdoor Sculpture! and SIRIS Database]
*[http://www.heritagepreservation.org/programs/sos/finding.html/ Save Outdoor Sculpture! and SIRIS Database]
Line 94: Line 125:
{{Monuments in Indianapolis|state=collapsed}}
{{Monuments in Indianapolis|state=collapsed}}


[[Category:Outdoor sculptures in Indianapolis]]
[[Category:1920 sculptures]]
[[Category:Bronze sculptures in Indiana]]
[[Category:Bronze sculptures in Indiana]]
[[Category:Monuments and memorials in Indiana]]
[[Category:Busts in the United States]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of Christopher Columbus]]
[[Category:Indiana Statehouse Public Art Collection]]
[[Category:Indiana Statehouse Public Art Collection]]
[[Category:Italian-American culture in Indiana]]
[[Category:Italian-American culture in Indiana]]
[[Category:1920 sculptures]]
[[Category:Monuments and memorials in Indiana]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of Christopher Columbus]]
[[Category:Outdoor sculptures in Indianapolis]]
[[Category:Sculptures of men in Indiana]]
[[Category:Sculptures of men in Indiana]]
[[Category:Busts in the United States]]

Latest revision as of 10:21, 15 October 2024

Christopher Columbus
Map
ArtistEnrico Vittori
Year1920, renovated 1955
TypeBronze bust on granite pedestal and granite base
Dimensions344 cm × 200 cm × 190 cm (135.5 in × 80 in × 76 in)
LocationIndiana Statehouse, Indianapolis
Coordinates39°46′4.85″N 86°9′47.45″W / 39.7680139°N 86.1631806°W / 39.7680139; -86.1631806
OwnerState of Indiana Department of Administration

Christopher Columbus is a public artwork by Italian artist Enrico Vittori and located on the grounds of the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. The sculpture was installed on the southwest corner of the Indiana Statehouse lawn in 1920 as a gift from Italian immigrant communities in Indiana.[1]

Artistic message

[edit]

As indicated by the plaque, the artist was charged to illustrate the theme of "the perennial genius abiding in the Italian race." Vittori has depicted "the perennial genius of the Italian race" in the symbolic figure of a young white man in the center of the frieze. He is scantily dressed in a barely-there flowing garment, echoing traditional artistic representations of Roman gods. He is crowned with a wreath of laurel, symbolizing wisdom. Vittori drives home the message of his racial nobility by positioning three deferentially posed figures around him.

The most dramatic of these is a stylized representation of the Native American race. Vittori has dressed this Chief in stereotypical feathered headdress, and positioned him kneeling at the left foot of the white man, looking upward in awe of the perennial genius of the Italian race. Vittori has sculpted the chief with his lips reaching upward and pursed as if straining to kiss the hem of the noble man's garment.

Behind the figure representing "the perennial genius of the Italian race" stands a Black male slave. Since the statue's material does not allow for the depiction of skin color, Vittori indicated the Black race by depicting its figure with "wooly" hair. Vittoria poses the black race standing at the white man's right hand, symbolizing his eagerness to serve. The Black race deferentially avoids eye contact with "the perennial genius of the Italian Race."

At the right foot of the "perennial genius of the Italian race," also a position of subordination, kneels a figure representing white womanhood. Like the Black slave, she avoids eye contact with the "perennial genius of the Italian race." Instead, her gaze is directed squarely at his nearby loincloth.

Description

[edit]

The bust of explorer Christopher Columbus is cast in bronze.[2] He wears a period costume, and his hair falls at approximately chin length. His facial expression is unsmiling, his chin is raised slightly and his eyes gaze off to his left. On the sculpture's proper left, below his left shoulder, the artist's name is inscribed as E. VITTORI.[2] The bust of Columbus measures approximately 39 inches (99 cm) by 23 inches (58 cm) by 29 inches (74 cm); it stands on a granite pedestal measuring approximately 82 inches (210 cm) by 62 inches (160 cm) by 58 inches (150 cm) and a base that measures 14.5 inches (37 cm) by 80 inches (200 cm) by 76 inches (190 cm).[2]

Below the bust is a granite pedestal with a plaque and relief carvings underneath.[2] The carving on the front of the pedestal depicts a figure grouping with a man draped in fabric and wearing a crown of laurels standing in the center. His left arm is raised in the air and right hand rests in front of his waist. To the left and right of this man, three figures are featured, two of whom are kneeling before him. The relief on the pedestal's proper right side depicts a seated woman with her right hand resting on her chest and left hand on a large anchor; her head is turned to her right. The relief on the pedestal's proper left side is a profile view of a seated woman resting her right elbow on a globe. Below the relief sculptures, the pedestal slopes outward to meet a two-stepped granite base.[2]

Controversies

[edit]

On the Centennial of the Statue's dedication, Indianapolis City-County Councilor Jason Larrison publicly called for the statue to be removed. Speaking from the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, Larrison objected to the public celebration of a historical figure infamous for his role in the genocide of the Native American peoples, and the pain this must cause to their descendants alive today. [3]

Historical context

[edit]

The Knights of Columbus was established in the late 19th century as a Catholic fraternal order. At the time, sentiment against Italian immigration was high in America. It still identifies as an organization of Catholic men, although it is not exclusive to Italian Americans. Leading up to 1920, celebrated at the 500th anniversary of Columbus' arrival in the Americas, the Knights of Columbus celebrated Italian racial pride by encouraging local groups to take up collections to erect statues of Christopher Columbus.

Historical information

[edit]
A newspaper article from October 1920 depicts the soon-to-be-installed statue.

Christopher Columbus was created by Enrico (Harry) Vittori, an Italian artist who lived in Indianapolis.[1][4] Vittori attended the Florence Academy of Art in Florence, Italy, and traveled to Indianapolis in 1919 to work for an airplane company.[5] The sculpture was presented to the state of Indiana in 1920 by members of Indiana's Italian community.[2] It is the only monument at the Indiana Statehouse donated by immigrants, and it was intended by the Italians to be a tribute to America.[4] The monument stood unchanged for 35 years. In 1955 the Knights of Columbus funded the cleaning of the bronze bust and the addition of new bronze lettering on the back of the pedestal.[6] The sculpture was modified again in 1992 during the Columbus Quincentenary, which celebrated the 500th anniversary of Columbus's voyage to America. The Knights of Columbus installed a plaque bearing another statement about Christopher Columbus.[6] This one contains the line, "May the genius abiding in the Italian Race encourage tolerance and acceptance of all cultures as America's ultimate contribution to humanity."

Plaques and text

[edit]
Back of pedestal

Metal lettering on the pedestal's back reads:

ERECTED A.D. 1920
BY THE ITALIANS
OF INDIANAPOLIS KOKOMO
LOGANSPORT RICHMOND
ETC.[2]


A plaque on the pedestal's front, added in 1956, states:

CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS
BORN IN GENOA, ITALY 1451. DISCOVERED
AMERICA OCTOBER 12, 1492. THIS LAND
OF OPPORTUNITY AND FREEDOM WAS
THUS PRESERVED FOR HUMANITY BY THE
PERENNIAL GENIUS ABIDING IN THE
ITALIAN RACE.
REFURBISHED BY KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS 1956.[2]


A plaque on the pedestal's back, added in 1992 reads:

THE COLUMBUS QUINCENTENARY JUBILEE
COMMISSION OF INDIANA INC., IN BEHALF
OF INDIANA'S ITALIAN-AMERICAN
COMMUNITY DEDICATES THIS PLAQUE TO
THE CELEBRATION OF THE 500TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE
COLUMBUS DISCOVERY OF AMERICA
MAY THE GENIUS ABIDING IN THE ITALIAN RACE ENCOURAGE TOLERANCE
AND ACCEPTANCE OF ALL CULTURES AS
AMERICA'S ULTIMATE CONTRIBUTION TO HUMANITY.[2]


Acquisition

[edit]

Christopher Columbus was a gift from a group of Italian immigrants who lived in Indiana.[1][2] It was commissioned with proceeds from a fundraising campaign led by Vincent A. LaPenta, a surgeon and scientist who presided over the executive committee of Italian Propaganda.[7] Indiana Governor James P. Goodrich dedicated the sculpture on October 31, 1920.[7] LaPenta spoke at the dedication ceremony and stated, "Columbus can be considered humanity's greatest benefactor."[4]

The sculpture is owned by the State of Indiana, Department of Administration.[2]

Location history

[edit]

Christopher Columbus was installed on the Indiana Statehouse lawn shortly after its completion and has not been moved or viewed in any other location.[2] However, the initial proposal for the sculpture requested that the piece be erected in one of the Indianapolis parks, and the location of "University Square" was listed as a potential site for the monument.[5]

Condition

[edit]
Bird feces on the bust in June 2022.

Christopher Columbus was cleaned in 1992.[6] Surveyed in 1994 as part of the Save Outdoor Sculpture! project with an overall condition rated as "good",[2] it was determined that the sculpture would benefit from conservation treatment.[8] In particular, the piece suffered from metallic staining, erosion, green caulking on the pedestal, and bird guano.[8]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Greiff, Glory-June (2005). Remembrance, Faith & Fancy: Outdoor Public Sculpture in Indiana. Indianapolis: Indiana Historical Society Press. p. 30 and 165. ISBN 0-87195-180-0.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Art Inventories Catalog: Christopher Columbus, (sculpture)". Smithsonian American Art Museum. 1994. Retrieved 15 November 2010.
  3. ^ Edward T. Stone. "Columbus and Genocide". American Heritage. Archived from the original on 2020-10-20. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
  4. ^ a b c Divita, James J. (7 January 1994). “Christopher Columbus Monument, State House”. Marian College (Indianapolis).
  5. ^ a b Unknown author (17 June 1919). “Indianapolis Italians to Offer City Monument to Christopher Columbus”. Indianapolis News (Indianapolis).
  6. ^ a b c "Tributes to Christopher Columbus in the United States". National Italian American Foundation. Archived from the original on 6 July 2010. Retrieved 5 November 2010.
  7. ^ a b "Public Art Locator: Christopher Columbus". Public Art Indianapolis. Archived from the original (map) on 27 July 2011. Retrieved 23 November 2010.
  8. ^ a b Wilgus, Sue Ann (9 December 1993). “SOS! Survey Questionnaire”. National Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Property (Washington, D.C.).
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