CC0 · no rights reserved
The Heavens
From the collection of Smithsonian American Art Museum. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
The Heavens, along with three other works representing earth, water, and man, was commissioned for the National Geographic Society in New York. Solon Borglum and three other sculptors were involved, including his brother Gutzon. World War I interrupted the project and it was never completed, but Borglum made this smaller bronze version as well as a larger plaster version, which has since disappeared. Representing the heavens, a male figure emerges from the planets and clouds, looking back to acknowledge his creation. The man has mortal beauty but embodies God’s transcendent powers.
Smithsonian American Art Museum’s own descriptionSubjects
Credit lineThe Heavens. 1913-1917. Solon H. Borglum, born Ogden, UT 1868-died Stamford, CT 1922. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Monica B. Davies and Paul Borglum in memory of Mrs. M. Nash Bly. CC0.
