The Aviator (Charlottesville, Virginia)
History
The sculpture is a bronze statue commissioned in honor of University alumnus, James Rogers McConnell’s heroism and courage in World War I, as a member of the Lafayette Escadrille.
The Aviator was designed by Gutzon Borglum and dedicated in 1919. The sculpture measures 12 feet high and 8 feet, 6 inches wide.
It is located in front of Clemons Library on the grounds of the University of Virginia. Due to the library's abundant 24-hour study space available for students, The Aviator is a fixture in everyday life at the University.
It is an athletic male nude with his feet placed shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent and arms outstretched supporting a pair of wings. The blade/knife; dirk or possible dagger/stiletto the figure has in his sheath is a recognized symbol of masculinity and of a warrior.
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.
Gallery
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The Aviator, April 2013 -
The Aviator, December 2005 -
The Seven Society inscription -
Inscription
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References
- ^ "National Register Information System – (#06000758)". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. November 2, 2013.
- ^ "Virginia Landmarks Register - The Aviator". Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Archived from the original on 2021-05-11. Retrieved 2021-05-08.
- ^ "The Aviator, (sculpture)". Inventory of American Sculpture. Smithsonian Institution. Archived from the original on 11 October 2014. Retrieved 29 May 2013.
- ^ "UVA Library". www.library.virginia.edu. Archived from the original on 2016-04-22. Retrieved 2021-07-17.
- ^ Susan Smead and Taryn Harrison (April 2006). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: The Aviator" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 2021-07-05. Retrieved 2021-08-05. and Accompanying photo Archived 2021-07-05 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Ornate Yemeni Knives Mark Status, Masculinity". NPR.org. Archived from the original on 2017-02-27. Retrieved 2018-04-04.
- ^ Schotten, C. (2009-07-20). Nietzsche's Revolution: Décadence, Politics, and Sexuality. Springer. ISBN 9780230623224. Archived from the original on 2021-08-05. Retrieved 2020-12-04.
