Description:

Bartholdi Frederic 1834 - 1904 Statue of Liberty sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi annotates incredible photograph showing work progress!

Sepia colored probably albumen photographic print on mottled blue stock inscribed by sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi along bottom edge. The photograph shows the official start of sculpture assembly in a Parisian work yard on October 24, 1881. Liberty's crowned head can be seen in the left middle ground, while a group of dignitaries stand in front of Liberty's sandaled feet in the right middle ground. The statue's feet are surrounded by scaffolding draped with flags, patriotic bunting, and a round medallion inscribed "RF" for "Republique de France". Outside of the image at bottom, Bartholdi has annotated the photo: "Statue of Liberty" and "October 24, 1881". In fine condition, with some light scuffs to photo surface. 1" long tear extends inwards from right edge at center, but fortunately only affects margin of photo showing a pile of building material. The photo measures 6.375" x 8.5" with a .25" margin of stock visible around the perimeter.

Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi (1834-1904) studied painting, sculpture, and architecture under well-known instructors like Viollet-le-Duc in Paris. Following his service in the Franco-Prussian War, Bartholdi became increasingly interested in sculpting monumental works celebrating resistance against oppression, and Enlightenment ideals like Freedom. Bartholdi later conceived of the design of the "Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World". The fundraising phase of this process would take years, and indeed long surpass the actual 100 th anniversary of the United States. Yet once it was installed in 1886, the massive copper-clad sculpture of a standing woman would fundamentally change the cityscape.

Bartholdi supervised the construction and assembly of the Statue of Liberty in France. The right arm holding the torch was completed in time for display at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. The crowned head and shoulders were exhibited at the 1878 Paris Universal Exposition. The statue was carefully assembled between 1881 and 1884; this photograph commemorates the beginning of the undertaking.

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