Orpheus - Baltimore, Maryland - Smithsonian Art Inventory Sculptures on Waymarking.com

The Orpheus Statue is a memorial to Francis Scott Key and those who fought in the Battle of North Point defending Fort McHenry during the war of the War of 1812. It originally was in a more prominent location but now it sits on the western edge of the field from Fort McHenry. Orpheus was a mythical poet, musician and singer who was known for writing the most beautiful songs.

While the statue has used multiple names over its life, the National Park Service recognizes it as "Orpheus." Most likely due to the other Francis Scott Key Monument in downtown Baltimore.

Information taken from the Smithsonian Art Inventory Catalog
Title: Francis Scott Key Monument, (sculpture)
Other Titles: Key Monument (sculpture), Orpheus (sculpture)
Medium: Sculpture: bronze; Base: marble.
Dimensions: Sculpture: approx. H. 24 ft.; Base: approx. H. 15 ft. x Diam. 30 ft.
Inscription: CHARLES H. NIEHAUS / FRANCIS SCOTT KEY/ BORN 1780 DIED 1843/ TO FRANCIS SCOTT KEY/ AUTHOR OF THE/ STAR SPANGLED BANNER/ AND TO THE SOLDIERS AND/ SAILORS WHO TOOK PART/ IN THE BATTLE NORTH/ POINT AND DEFENSE/ OF FORT McHENRY IN THE/ WAR OF 1812 signed
Description: The monument consists of a standing nude figure of Orpheus, the Greek hero of music and poetry, playing a five-stringed tortoiseshell lyre. He holds the lyre in his proper left arm and reaches over with his proper right hand to play the instrument. The sculpture sits on a circular base adorned with a frieze depicting Francis Scott Key and the muses celebrating the Army and the Navy.

TITLE: Francis Scott Key Monument ARTIST(S): Charles Henry Niehaus DATE: 6/14/1922 MEDIUM: bronze CONTROL NUMBER: 75006013 Direct Link to the Individual Listing in the Smithsonian Art Inventory: [Web Link] PHYSICAL LOCATION: 2400 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, MD 21230 DIFFERENCES NOTED BETWEEN THE INVENTORY LISTING AND YOUR OBSERVATIONS AND RESEARCH: Discoleration of the base.

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