Young Washington

Scott Rogers
Bronze, 26"H x 22"W x 9 1/2"L (Edition of 30) 20 Available
$8000

NARRATIVE: My desire with this sculpture was to portray a man still in the spring of life, shown by the way he sits a saddle, already having resolve, internal bearing, and owning the importance of character. All these qualities served George Washington through life.

In the present day, we see the face of the experienced statesman George Washington on the dollar bill, painted by Gilbert Stuart. As we connect an artistic image of young George to an image of mature George, we should consider what transpired in his life to be so accomplished and revered.

What do we really know of this youth? Who were his heroes? Who gave him counsel and served as his examples? What do we know of the triumphs, sorrows, joys, decisions, griefs, quiet moments, loves, visions, hopes and thoughtful internal dialogs that forged this young man who eventually crossed the Delaware in freezing weather with a ragtag band of revolutionaries, and eventually became the father of a nation?

Considering George Washington's achievements, perhaps the one that changed all of human history was the singular act of stepping down from the United States Presidency. Not being held by power, he allowed the torch to be passed to another, an act that created a precedent and pattern that shaped the destiny of a nation. He knew that the country was bigger than any one man, he knew his divine nature was bigger than the country.

Note: On the base of this sculpture, I included different types of surveyor theodolites and transits, representing Washington's experience in land surveying early in his life. This is a brand new piece created specifically to debut at this show.