Francis H. Smith - Lexington, VA - Smithsonian Art Inventory Sculptures on Waymarking.com

Official Description:
Standing male figure wearing a Prince Albert coat with military insignia on shoulders, three stars denoting Confederate rank of Major General. In his proper right hand he holds a partially unrolled diploma, while in his proper left hand he holds a Bible.

Inscriptions:
F. Legnaioli '31

MAJOR GENERAL FRANCIS H. SMITH
SUPERINTENDENT
NOVEMBER 11, 1839 TO DECEMBER 31, 1889
BUILDER AND REBUILDER
OF THE
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE
THIS STATUE REPRESENTS HIM
IN THE ACT OF DELIVERING A DIPLOMA TO A
GRADUATE AND MEMORIALIZES HIS CUSTOM
OF GIVING A BIBLE TO EVERY CADET AT THE
END OF HIS FIRST CLASS YEAR.
APPOINTED MAJOR GENERAL
OF VIRGINIA CADETS DEC. 18, 1961

Interesting Remark:
Francis H. Smith was known by the nickname of "Old Specs" or "Spex," because he wore spectacles. There was much debate about whether or not the sculpture of Francis H. Smith should include spectacles. The figure was cast without spectacles, but a pair of spectacles were cast separately and then attached to the figure. The spectacles have been easily vandalized, and the Virginia Military Institute has had to replace them several times.

TITLE: Francis H. Smith ARTIST(S): Ferrucio Legnaioli DATE: 1931. Cast 1931. Dedicated June 10, 1931. Rededicated Oct. 19, 1979. MEDIUM: Bronze on granite base CONTROL NUMBER: IAS 55140002 Direct Link to the Individual Listing in the Smithsonian Art Inventory: [Web Link] PHYSICAL LOCATION: Virginia Military Institute In front of Smith Hall South end of Parade Grounds Lexington, Virginia 24450 DIFFERENCES NOTED BETWEEN THE INVENTORY LISTING AND YOUR OBSERVATIONS AND RESEARCH: None

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