- William Rush
[
Thomas Eakins , a painting depicting Rush's repectful attitude to his nude model] William Rush (July 4, 1756 – January 17, 1833) was a U.S. neoclassical sculptor fromPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania . He is considered the first major American sculptor.He was trained in the carving of ships' heads in wood. This translated into sculptures that were deeply undercut and visible from far away through the dramatic use of contrast and strong shadows. Rush blended American artisanal tradition and neoclassical form.
Rush was one of the first to create outdoor public sculpture in the U.S. His "Comedy and Tragedy" was carved in 1808 for the New Theater on Chestnut Street in Philadelphia designed by
Benjamin Latrobe . His "Water Nymph and Bittern" was created in 1809 for a Philadelphia waterworks that was also designed by Latrobe.His statue of
George Washington , carved in wood, is in Independence Hall in Philadelphia.Along with friend
Charles Willson Peale , Rush helped found thePennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts , showing his interest in art beyond the American craft tradition; his ownself-portrait is today housed in that museum.Examples of Rush's work may also be found in the
Philadelphia Museum of Art , including "Comedy" and "Tragedy".The Museum also hold many examples ofThomas Eakins ' models of Rush's past works.References
*Craven, Wayne. American Art. London: McGraw Hill. 2003.
* [http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Rush-Wil.html Biography at encyclopedia.com]External links
*Find A Grave|id=916
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
