John Harvard - Cambridge, MA
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NorStar
N 42° 22.464 W 071° 07.042
19T E 325672 N 4693518
This statue of John Harvard sitting is at a location where he can overlook Harvard Yard.
Waymark Code: WM8AVD
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 03/02/2010
Views: 13
In Cambridge, within the core campus of Harvard University called Old Harvard Yard, stands a statue that represents the person who donated his book collection and a significant amount of money to fund the building of Harvard College. The college bears his name for his generous gift.
Harvard is sitting in a chair and is looking straight out into the green. His right leg is resting on a pile of books, his left is extended. Another book is in his lap, held in place by his right hand. He has longish hair. Under the chair is another pile of books. The sculpture is on a stone base. In front, there are the words, "John Harvard" and "Founder" [Not correct - he gave money but the Mass. General Court had already voted to establish it]. On the left side, there is a seal with the words, "EMANUEL / SACRAE/THEOLOGIAE/STUDIOSIS/POSIT/GVA" [from Smithsonian web site] where he went. Behind the statue, there is an inscription in the stone that reads, "Given by Samuel James Bridge June 17, 1883." On the sculpture chair, there is some seal that I could not discern. On the right side, there is a mark identifying the statue as being "Daniel C. French", which is worn. Also, the founder mark, "Henry-Bonnard Bronze Co. New York - 1884" is seen there, as well.
The statue is in good shape. However, the statue is a favorite stop for students and tourists. this left foot is rubbed so much that it shines. There is a legend known stating that rubbing his foot brings good luck.
TITLE: John Harvard
ARTIST(S): Daniel Chester French
DATE: Dedicated Oct. 16, 1884.
MEDIUM: Bronze statue, stone base.
CONTROL NUMBER: 77000368
Direct Link to the Individual Listing in the Smithsonian Art Inventory: [Web Link]
PHYSICAL LOCATION:
Located in Old Harvard Yard, in front of University Hall, a stone building.
DIFFERENCES NOTED BETWEEN THE INVENTORY LISTING AND YOUR OBSERVATIONS AND RESEARCH:
None noted.
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