Sculpting Narratives
An academic exploration of Luigi Persico's controversial sculpture 'The Discovery of America,' examining its artistic symbolism and its role in shaping 19th-century American expansionist ideologies.
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Sculptural Overview
Foundational Details
Luigi Persico's monumental marble sculpture, The Discovery of America, was a significant artistic and political statement that once graced the eastern facade of the United States Capitol. Commissioned in the mid-19th century, it depicted a pivotal moment in the narrative of American history, albeit through a lens that reflected prevailing ideologies of the era.
| Title | The Discovery of America |
|---|---|
| Artist | Luigi Persico |
| Year | 1844 (Carved 1840-1843) |
| Material | White marble |
| Dimensions | 486.4 cm × 255.3 cm × 184.2 cm (191 1/2 in × 100 1/2 in × 72 1/2 in) |
| Former Location | East facade, United States Capitol |
| Current Status | In storage (Smithsonian Institution, Maryland) |
Historical Context
Genesis of the Monument
The impetus for creating sculptures to adorn the Capitol's main staircase emerged in April 1836, with a proposal submitted by Pennsylvania Senator James Buchanan. Following this, President Martin Van Buren officially sanctioned Luigi Persico's design for The Discovery of America on April 3, 1837. Persico undertook the modeling of the group in 1839 and subsequently executed the carving between 1840 and 1843. Working from his studio in Naples, he utilized marble sourced from a quarry situated between Pisa and Carrara. Upon completion, the substantial sculpture was transported to the United States, where it was installed on the Capitol's east facade in 1844.
Artistic Depiction
Symbolism and Representation
The sculptural group portrays Christopher Columbus holding a globe aloft, while a nearby Indigenous maiden appears cowering. This composition was meticulously crafted to convey a powerful message of perceived white superiority over Native Americans, who were often characterized as naive or primitive. Columbus is depicted with a determined stride, symbolizing the onward march of European conquest and discovery, while the female Indigenous figure recoils, conveying intimidation and awe.
This dynamic between the figures was intended to represent the "meeting of the two races," with Persico emphasizing the perceived "moral and intellectual inferiority" of the Indigenous population. The visual narrative presented in The Discovery of America became a potent symbol, aligning with and reinforcing the prevailing notions of American exceptionalism and the justification for territorial expansion prevalent in the mid-19th century.
Persico's rendition of Columbus diverges from more traditional portrayals. Instead of the common depiction of a Renaissance explorer with navigational tools, Persico presents a stern, hawk-faced figure clad in the armor of a conquistador. This interpretation frames Columbus not merely as an admiral, but as a formidable agent of conquest, reflecting the era's admiration for bold adventurers and the perceived majesty of their endeavors.
Political Resonance
Manifest Destiny and Expansionism
The Discovery of America, alongside other symbolically charged artworks commissioned for the Capitol, played a role in constructing the visual iconography that supported westward expansion. The underlying symbolism of Manifest Destiny—the belief in the inherent superiority of Anglo-American civilization and its divine right to expand across the continent—was readily invoked by congressmen to bolster political movements.
The statue's allegorical representation of Columbus as the dominant figure, with the Indigenous woman acknowledging his superiority, resonated with the antebellum United States' perspective on Indigenous peoples. This viewpoint often framed interactions as a "contest... for the existence of our infant settlements, and for the attainment of that power by which a civilized and Christian people might safely occupy this promised land of civil and religious liberty," as articulated by John Elliott of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs in 1825.
The sculpture's prominent placement at the Capitol's main entrance staircase further amplified its message, symbolizing the triumph of Western civilization under white male leadership. This artistic representation drew a direct parallel between America's historical fascination with exploration and the contemporary westward expansion occurring during the sculpture's erection. Consequently, Persico's work was referenced in political discourse to justify territorial annexation, notably by Alabama representative James E. Belser in 1845, who argued that the Capitol's sculptures offered an "instructive lesson" regarding the spread of liberty and light as America expanded westward.
The layered symbolism and political rhetoric surrounding The Discovery of America thus served to legitimize legislative actions, such as Andrew Jackson's approval of the Indian Removal Act, which led to devastating consequences for Native American populations, most notably the Trail of Tears.
Deterioration and Storage
Removal and Preservation Challenges
During the process of relocating The Discovery of America and its pendant, The Rescue, from the Capitol facade for storage, both sculptures sustained damage. While the crane operation resulted in The Rescue breaking into fragments, The Discovery of America is also reported to be in a state of poor preservation. Following their removal in 1958, these significant artworks were placed in a storage facility managed by the Smithsonian Institution in Maryland. The decision to store them, and their subsequent lack of public re-installation, occurred without extensive public discourse.
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Academic Disclaimer
Important Notice for Scholars
This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing upon publicly available data from Wikipedia. It is intended for academic and educational purposes, providing a structured overview of the sculpture 'The Discovery of America'.
This is not a substitute for scholarly research or professional art historical analysis. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adhere strictly to the provided source material, the content may not capture all nuances or may contain interpretations influenced by the AI's processing. Users are encouraged to consult original academic sources and conduct their own critical evaluations.
The creators of this content are not responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions, or interpretations derived from this AI-generated text. Always cross-reference with primary academic literature for definitive research.