Probity - Ottawa, Ontario - Epic Beings and Creatures on Waymarking.com

The 'allegory,' derived from the Greek alios, meaning 'other,' and agoreuo,
'to speak,' is defined as "a narrative in which abstract ideas are personified." While the female and male allegorical figures on the Parliament Hill monuments do personify abstract ideas, the male and female figures are not equal in what they may be seen to represent.

For the Mackenzie figure Hebert used the same heroic stance and solemn bearing he had for the figures of Cartier and Macdonald. Dressed in frock coat and trousers, the standing figure is shown in the act of oration. Mackenzie's left arm hangs at his side, with papers held in his hand; his right arm is bent at ninety degrees, and his hand is extended as if making a point to his audience. Again, the toe of the left shoe projects slightly over the edge of the pedestal. Because Mackenzie's term in office lacked any striking events, it was impossible for Hebert to surround the figure with attributes attesting to the prime minister's glory.

In terms of the Parliament Hill figures, it is perhaps most productive to examine the differences in how the two genders are represented in allegorical form. All three female figures mentioned so far - Confederation on the Macdonald monument, Canada on the Victoria monument, and Probity on the Mackenzie monument - are youthful women who are not dressed in contemporary clothing. Rather, they are revealingly draped in classical costumes and all are accompanied by attributes such as crowns, flags, and scrolls.

Instead he emphasized Mackenzie's moral character through the inclusion of two allegorical figures: Labour, "emblem of intelligent Industry and sound judgement," and Probity, who holds a tablet inscribed "Duty was His Law, And Conscience His Ruler."

Reference: (visit link)

Alexander Mackenzie: (visit link)

Time Period: Ancient Epic Type: Mythical Exhibit Type: Figure, Statue, 3D Art Approximate Date of Epic Period: Not listed

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