2011.07.12
Civil War sculpture installed in state Capitol
We Virginians like to talk about the Civil War. And we’re still putting up statues to the Late Unpleasantness.
The latest is in the state Capitol and it’s a bit different because it also shows a Union soldier.
G. Paul Nardo, the Clerk of the House of Delegates, sends out this release about the new installation:
Coinciding with many special events surrounding the commemoration of the sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) of Virginia’s participation in the American Civil War, a powerful and poignant Civil War Commemorative bronze sculpture was painstakingly installed yesterday in Virginia’s historic State Capitol. “Brothers,” a life-size sculpture privately commissioned by an anonymous private collector in Fredericksburg and executed in 2010 by nationally recognized sculptor, Gary Casteel is now on public display in the Capitol’s new Visitor extension.
The “Brothers” memorial, a two-figure, life-size setting in bronze, is reminiscent of the harsh realities of the American Civil War. The figures, brother against brother, represent the real possibility of familial recognition by opposing soldiers, one Union, one Confederate, but brothers nonetheless, after the horrific battle that engulfed the countryside near Fredericksburg.
“The very moving statue is meant to mean different things to different people,” said the anonymous collector. “For me, it is a simple and profound tribute to the common, everyday person who answered the call, left home and family and took part in an epic struggle, as warriors have done throughout the ages. The image displays fatigue and grief, but also hope and solace that it is over and that a future lies ahead of hope and promise for a unified country bound together in liberty and individual dreams that is America today.”
Casteel, a West Virginia native, with strong Virginia ties, currently resides in Cashtown, Pennsylvania, near the Gettysburg Military Park, where his equestrian statue of General James Longstreet, which thrust him into the demanding light of success, is installed. Mr. Casteel’s love of history and art are reflected in each individual work, which is certainly the case with the “Brothers” sculpture. Casteel’s work has become highly regarded and requested by a wide variety of institutions, including the United States National Park Service, state and local governments, corporations and private enterprises. Other Virginia collections containing Casteel’s work include the Fredericksburg National Battlefield Park, Virginia Military Institute, Museum of the Confederacy and Pamplin Park.
I guess if they had to include a union soldier that this was a good way to do it.But I do have a problem with it considering the thousands of Virginians killed by the invading yankee army.Sort of like including Tojo in honor of Pearl Harbor.Yes,its all over,but it doesn’t change the fact of the murderous assault that took place.
Comment by Jack Mcguire — July 12, 2011 @ 12:56 pm
It looks like a nicely done statue, with a noble sentiment. I’m not sure why we’re still commemorating the Civil War, but some won’t let it die, I suppose.
Comment by abdnva — July 13, 2011 @ 8:36 am
As much as a statue can, I think it does capture the sentiment and the angst of much of the nation then, and now. I am grateful the rebellion was ended and the nation prevailed, but the cost was such that we needed to learn much more than we apparently have from the lesson.
Comment by Sandi Saunders — July 13, 2011 @ 12:42 pm
“I am grateful the rebellion was ended”
Not me,Im ready to start it back tomorrow! If Va said tomorrow it wanted to succeed,Id join in a heartbeat.
Comment by Jack Mcguire — July 13, 2011 @ 5:39 pm
And that lack of mental capacity explains a lot of the talk radio sentiment. Just as Rush Limbaugh publicly hoped Obama would fail as President, some fools pretend they’d have the courage to actively battle against the U.S. Of course it is all internet blather by these fools, but they like to stoke their egos, I suppose. Such pathetic fools…
Comment by abdnva — July 13, 2011 @ 9:18 pm