MacNeil’s “Ezra Cornell” ~ New Photos
ByHere are the first nine photos of the statue of Ezra Cornell taken on a recent trip through New York state and Cornell University campus by my friend and a fellow history buff, Chris Carlsen and his son, Jensen. Chris was staying at “Old Stone Heap,” the home of his friend William Buckley “Buck” Briggs, an Adjunct Professor of Law at Cornell. Click on Buck’s name above to check out his bio and see his extensive NFL expertise. ( Buck can also be heard doing the “color” radio broadcasts for the “Big Red” Cornell Football team. “Uncle Ezra” would be proud! )
Anyway, quality photos of ‘Uncle Ezra’ like these by Chris are rare. Detail closeups of the signature, foundry mark, and image features have never been seen before on this website. Nor have I seen them on any other website either. We have them from a 360 degree perspective. [ Webmaster is Proud. “Uncle Ezra would be proud!” ]
MacNeil once told an interviewer that as he sculpted Ezra Cornell’s features, he realized the man’s resemblance to his own father, John Clinton MacNeil. After that insight, the sculptor said that his labors became a work of happy enthusiasm. [ “Papa John AND Uncle Hermon would be proud!” ]
This MacNeil work was begun in 1917. It’s public dedication was delayed until 1919 due to World War I. A photo of all the straw hats at the dedication can be seen at Chronicle On-Line: Nov 6, 2007
“Stay tuned more to come later.” ~ Webmaster
Thanks Chris
H. A. MacNeil, Sc. 1917
Roman Bronze Works in NYC was the premire foundry used by MacNeil for its 'Lost Wax' process of casting.
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