General John Blackburne Woodward
Brooklyn Museum photograph
Caption
Frederick William MacMonnies (American, 1863–1937). General John Blackburne Woodward, ca. 1901. Bronze, Overall: 93 3/4 x 40 x 29 in. (238.1 x 101.6 x 73.7 cm) Fixed base: 28 x 31 in. (71.1 x 78.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Citizens Committee of Brooklyn, 07.1. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Collection
Collection
Title
General John Blackburne Woodward
Date
ca. 1901
Medium
Bronze
Classification
Dimensions
Overall: 93 3/4 x 40 x 29 in. (238.1 x 101.6 x 73.7 cm) Fixed base: 28 x 31 in. (71.1 x 78.7 cm)
Signatures
Inscribed along proper left side of base: "F. MACMONNIES 1901."
Markings
Foundry mark inscribed on back edge of base: "E. GRUET Jne. FONDEUR PARIS."
Credit Line
Gift of the Citizens Committee of Brooklyn
Accession Number
07.1
Frequent Art Questions
What can you tell me about General Woodward?
John Blackburne Woodward was a lifelong Brooklyn resident who was active in business and local politics as well as serving as the first president of the Brooklyn Institute which became the museum. He also served as a general in the Civil War.Who is this?
This is a statue of General John Blackburne Woodward by Frederick William MacMonnies from around 1901.The plaque says it was placed in front of the museum, why was it taken down?Woodward was born in Brooklyn and, after his military career, ran for mayor of Brooklyn in 1885 (but lost). He was president of the Brooklyn Museum Institute of Arts and Sciences, the parent institution of the Brooklyn Museum, from 1887 to 1895.While I'm not totally sure about all of the reasons, my guess would be that it's removal was partially due to this work's material. The sculpture is made of bronze, which can corrode over time when exposed to weather conditions.
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