Vikings, Luther Bonney Hall Courtyard, University of Southern Maine - Portland, ME - Smithsonian Art Inventory Sculptures on Waymarking.com

In Portland, on the campus of the University of Southern Maine, is this sculpture entitled, Vikings.

The campus of the University of Southern Maine is located north of downtown Portland. The closest entrance is off Bedford Street, between U.S. Route 1 and Maine Route 25. The courtyard where the sculpture is located is on the west side of Luther Bonney Hall to the right of the entrance when facing it.

The sculpture is a metal sculpture with a patina on a concrete base. The dimensions listed on the Smithsonian entry is "7 ft. 6 in. x 6 ft. 11 in. x 1 ft. 6 in.; Base: approx. 2 ft. x 3 ft. x 2 ft. 10 in." I did not find a plaque or sculptor mark - the entry lists the sculpture as "unsigned." The form is an abstract that generally suggests a Viking ship with the dragon bows and a circle that may be the sun.

The following text comes from the University of Southern Maine web site:

"VIKING SHIP SCULPTURE - In October, 1967 the Student Senate voted to look into the possibility of obtaining a piece of sculpture on a Viking theme to serve as the campus symbol. The Art Department was contacted and the Spring of 1968 brought a model of a sculpture by Mr. John Risley of Wesleyan Univer­sity, called “The Viking Ship and the Midnight Sun”. After much discussion pro and con (some students wanted a 10’ tall statue of a Viking in full battle regalia), the Senate agreed to the model, and it was completed and received by December, 1969. A decision for its placement was finally made. The base was constructed and the Ship was ensconced in the outdoor court of Luther Bonney Hall."

Source: (visit link)

TITLE: Vikings ARTIST(S): John Risley DATE: 12/1/1969 MEDIUM: Metal with patina CONTROL NUMBER: IAS ME000136 Direct Link to the Individual Listing in the Smithsonian Art Inventory: [Web Link] PHYSICAL LOCATION: 85 Bedford Street, Courtyard of Luther Bonney Hall DIFFERENCES NOTED BETWEEN THE INVENTORY LISTING AND YOUR OBSERVATIONS AND RESEARCH: None seen.

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