John Christian Bullitt - Philadelphia, PA
Posted by: Groundspeak Regular Member Math Teacher
N 39° 57.188 W 075° 09.839
18S E 485992 N 4422568
This statue is located on the northern part of City Hall in Center City Philadelphia. The statue is on the far right of the building.
Waymark Code: WM9EKD
Location: Pennsylvania, United States
Date Posted: 08/09/2010
Published By:Groundspeak Regular Member condor1
Views: 10
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John Christian Bullitt (1824–1902) was a prominent lawyer and civic figure in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He founded the law firm known today as Drinker Biddle & Reath.

The statue was created by John J. Boyle (1851/52-1917) and also some of the sculpture work was also done by Roman Bronze Works, founder. The statue was commissioned 1902, finished in 1907 and relocated to its current home in 1936. Its dimensions are approximately 9 ft. 10 in. x 39 in. x 38 inches and the base is approximately 5 ft. 1 in. x 5 ft. 2 in. x 5 ft. There are some inscriptions which read (Lower proper left side:) JOHN J BOYLE, SC, 1907 (Lower proper right side:) ROMAN BRONZE WORKS, NEW YORK (Base, front:) JOHN/CHRISTIAN/BULLITT/1842-1892 signed Founder's mark appears. The statue is made of bronze and the base is made of granite.

The Smithsonian inventory page offers a description of the statue. Standing portrait of John Bullitt dressed in a long, double-breasted coat over a buttoned vest. His proper right hand rests in his trouser pocket on his proper right side. His proper left hand holds a packet of papers. As for his life, the page tells us John Christian Bullitt (1824-1902) was born in Kentucky, but came to Philadelphia in 1849 and went on to create a successful law practice. He built the first modern office building in the city and was one of the founders of the Fourth Street National Bank. He began his political career with the Whig party and when that dissolved in 1852, he joined the Democratic party. He was a delegate to the state Constitutional Convention in 1873 and drafted the City Charter in 1885. He also introduced the "Bullitt Bill" which was to provide greater authority for the Mayor. Following his death in 1902, Philadelphia citizens raised the funds and commissioned John J. Boyle to create this memorial. "Public Art in Philadelphia" noted that the sculpture was relocated in 1936. Source listed below.

TITLE: John Christian Bullitt

ARTIST(S): Boyle, John J., 1851/52-1917, sculptor. Roman Bronze Works, founder.

DATE: Commissioned 1902. 1907. Relocated 1936.

MEDIUM: Sculpture: bronze; Base: granite.

CONTROL NUMBER: IAS 75009350

Direct Link to the Individual Listing in the Smithsonian Art Inventory: [Web Link]

PHYSICAL LOCATION:
North quadrant of City Hall, Philadelphia, PA

DIFFERENCES NOTED BETWEEN THE INVENTORY LISTING AND YOUR OBSERVATIONS AND RESEARCH:
No Differences Noted
Visit Instructions:
Please give the date of your visit, your impressions of the sculpture, and at least ONE ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPH. Add any additional information you may have, particularly any personal observations about the condition of the sculpture.
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