Photograph: Statue of P.T. Barnum in Seaside Park, Bridgeport, 1894
1894 (Date manufactured/created)
7.25 in H
X
17 in W
Panoramic photograph showing the monumental bronze statue of P. T. Barnum by sculptor Thomas Ball. The statue is located in Seaside Park, Bridgeport, Connecticut, and overlooks Long Island Sound. The photograph, taken about a year after the statue was erected, shows the figure of Barnum in profile, seated in an armchair, atop a massive plinth (solid base). In his left hand he holds a small book, and in his right hand, a pen. In his later years, Barnum often chose similar poses for photographic portraits, with a memo book in hand, indicative of his busy life. The sides of the plinth are ornamented with low relief sculptures of figures. The rectangular plinth is set on a circular base of four concentric circles forming steps all around. Near each corner of the plinth, resting on the top circle, is a large funerary urn decorated with swags. In the background on the lefthand side of the photograph, portions of three impressive structures are visible, though it is not clear that any one of them is Barnum's home Marina. A number of young trees line the curved drives that define the park setting. On the righthand side of the photograph, near waters edge, there is a family with their horse and carriage who appear to have stopped to look at the statue or the view of the Sound. In the distance across the water, a lighthouse can just barely be discerned. The photographer is unknown.
In the last few years of his life, P. T. Barnum carefully considered his legacy. In preparation for his eventual demise, he had this monumental sculpture made of himself by artist Thomas Ball in 1888, with the intention of having it installed in Bridgeport after his death. Ball, who was originally from the Boston area, had become famous in 1851 after sculpting a lifelike bust of Jenny Lind, the Swedish soprano whom Barnum brought to America for a concert tour. After the statue of Barnum was completed it was stored in a warehouse in New Jersey, to remain there until such time as it was to be installed. Barnum died on April 7, 1891, and the statue was installed in Seaside Park in 1893. It was unveiled on July 4th, more than two years after Barnum’s death. The unveiling was a major event, as it coincided with the usual the Fourth of of July celebrations and was also just a day ahead of Barnum's own birthdate, July 5th. The statue remains in Seaside Park to this day.
In the last few years of his life, P. T. Barnum carefully considered his legacy. In preparation for his eventual demise, he had this monumental sculpture made of himself by artist Thomas Ball in 1888, with the intention of having it installed in Bridgeport after his death. Ball, who was originally from the Boston area, had become famous in 1851 after sculpting a lifelike bust of Jenny Lind, the Swedish soprano whom Barnum brought to America for a concert tour. After the statue of Barnum was completed it was stored in a warehouse in New Jersey, to remain there until such time as it was to be installed. Barnum died on April 7, 1891, and the statue was installed in Seaside Park in 1893. It was unveiled on July 4th, more than two years after Barnum’s death. The unveiling was a major event, as it coincided with the usual the Fourth of of July celebrations and was also just a day ahead of Barnum's own birthdate, July 5th. The statue remains in Seaside Park to this day.
T 2013.015.001