This is a monument to "Pilgrim Fathers" that was erected in Waterbury in 1930. I am struck by the contrast between the face of William Bradford, center, and the young man to his left, whose face is full of tenderness as he gazes on the woman and child. Bradford's Bible, his fist, his vision, and his proximity to the other figures convey to me a sense of fatherly confidence and courage. Like the sign said.
40 Comments
Nice shot. I also like the young woman looking back at the face of the young man.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you emphasized the
ReplyDeletebible in his possession.
The young couple with the baby stands out to me more so than the man with the book. Such tenderness says it all ...as he could be the determine man.
ReplyDeletemaybe it's his wife and child that's why they are looking at each other with passion. Nice entry!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful collection of characters, this. The sculptor captured the spirit of the first settlers beautifully.
ReplyDeleteLove your angle on this too, looking up at them. I've forgotten much about that period in history, and now I'm inspired to learn more, or brush up what I knew.
Thanks Sandy!
Thanks for "opening" this work of art to us. Aloha-
ReplyDeletemy ex husband was related to wm. bradford...interesting sclupture
ReplyDeleteMr. Bradford does not look like a dude with whom I would wish to tangle. I rather suspect he had something of a short fuse. But judging from the faces around him he was the take-charge type and this was a crew that needed taken charge of.
ReplyDeleteand I further suspect that FickleMinded is correct in observing that the gent on Bradford's left is husband and father (or possibly brother and uncle -- but certainly related) to the two he's looking at. If you'll notice, his hand is around the woman's shoulder, a gesture of familiarity that would hardly have set well otherwise.
Can't find anything wrong with your assessment. Love the coat he is wearing, too.
ReplyDeleteNice post Sandy-
ReplyDeleteObservant reflections, Sandy. As always. A mix of conviction, courage, and tenderness is very appealing to me.
ReplyDeleteThe contrast in the faces does make it especially interesting.
ReplyDeleteThe expressions are striking.
ReplyDeleteI never would have noticed the compassionate man had you not pointed him out. William Bradford's presence is so fierce, almost intimidating. It's hard to look away from him.
ReplyDeletei hope that we will have more determined and honest leaders in the future like sir bradford.
ReplyDeletewhat an interesting sculpture... it says so much and conveys so much feeling. There is hope and determination and passion and compassion
ReplyDeleteNot to mention he looks pretty daunting. Great post.
ReplyDeleteHe looks business-like. I won't want to mess with Mr Bradford. :)
ReplyDeleteI am new here! What a great blog :)
ReplyDeleteI am new here! What a great blog :)
ReplyDeleteThat is so intricate and detailed!
ReplyDeleteA really imposing sculpture, very nice.
ReplyDeleteThe photo speaks a lot for itself! nice one!
ReplyDeleteNice capture. I think the young man and the woman are a couple and she is holding their child. My first to join this meme.
ReplyDeleteI'm telling myself to be determined everyday.
ReplyDeleteIndeed a courageous man. thanks for sharing this bit of info. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great photo. How wonderful to see so many emotions depicted.
ReplyDeleteI simply must come up for a visit. That part of colonial history is my favorite. Bradford was quite the dandy, wasn't he? To hear him tell it in his writing, he single-handedly beat down the savages....Peace (and I mean that) - D
ReplyDeleteI agree, he's one determined dude! Great art, and you have a great photo!
ReplyDeleteSir Bradford really looks imposing and even intimidating especially from the angle you took the picture. I certainly would agree that the man and the lady with the bady could be relatives or even spouses with their body language facing each other.
ReplyDeleteWonderful statue/carving. I like how the sculptor managed to convey the feeling of a community behind him, that he most definitely led and protected.
ReplyDeletewow this is so interesting, the way they make this monument, the expressions of the faces. thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThose figures in stone are certainly a good representation of the pioneers. They had to be tough as granite to live like they did to build the soft country we have.
ReplyDeleteVery nice! I am glad you did some close up shots too!
ReplyDeleteThis is quite a monument. You summed it up very well -- 'One Determined Dude'.
ReplyDeletePhew, I was just down in Plymouth (England) at the weekend and I saw the Mayflower steps where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail from in 1620.
ReplyDeletegreat shot! his stance tells me that he was really determined :)
ReplyDeletehave a great week!
This is a great monument! And indeed every face is different and you can almost feel what each one is thinking.
ReplyDeleteI love the difference in their faces too-behind the strength there is tenderness.
ReplyDeleteGreat statue the shows strength and many emotions of people with a cause.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being here.