• Sculptor: Herbert Adams
  • Architect: Thomas Hastings
  • Dedicated: 1911
  • Medium and size: Overall about 50 feet wide; bronze figure (6 feet), marble canopy and pedestal flanked by urns and balustrades
  • Location: Bryant Park behind the New York Public Library, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues and 42nd and 41st Streets

Early American Literary Star

Twenty-one-year-old Bryant (1794-1878) became a literary star with the publication of “Thanatopsis,” written when American literature was in its infancy. (New York Mayor William J. Gaynor later described it as “the most melancholy poem that was ever written.”) Bryant went on to become the Grand Old Man of the New York literary world, and is today considered by many to be interesting only as an example of a historical period. But I can forgive a great deal to a man who can compose a poem as poignant as “My Autumn Walk,” written when three years of civil war had racked up half a million American casualties.

For over 50 years Bryant was editor of the New York Evening Post, founded in 1801 by Alexander Hamilton. While Greeley’s Tribune and Bennett’s Herald titillated readers with sensational stories, Bryant transformed the Post into the newspaper of choice for educated New Yorkers.

Favorite Bryant Quotes

  • Truth gets well if she is run over by a locomotive, while error dies of lockjaw if she scratches her finger.
  • Weep not that the world changes – did it keep a stable, changeless state, it were cause indeed to weep.

More

  • In Getting More Enjoyment from Sculpture You Love, I demonstrate a method for looking at sculptures in detail, in depth, and on your own. Learn to enjoy your favorite sculptures more, and find new favorites. Available on Amazon in print and Kindle formats. More here.
  • Want wonderful art delivered weekly to your inbox? Check out my free Sunday Recommendations list and rewards for recurring support: details here.