Captain Nathan Hale, (sculpture)

Object Details

Notes
Index of American Sculpture, University of Delaware, 1985
United States General Services Administration, 1988.
Goode, James M., "The Outdoor Sculpture of Washington, D.C., A Comprehensive Historical Guide," Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1974, pg. 158.
Save Outdoor Sculpture, District of Columbia survey, 1993.
Michael Richman, SAAM curatorial assistant, 1967-1969.
Goode, James M., "Washington Sculpture: A Cultural History of Outdoor Sculpture in the Nation's Capitol," Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2008, no. 4.12.
Image on file.
Goode, James M., "The Outdoor Sculpture of Washington, D.C., A Comprehensive Historical Guide," Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1974, D-14.
Goode, James M., "Washington Sculpture: A Cultural History of Outdoor Sculpture in the Nation's Capitol," Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2008, no. 4.12.
CAST.BY.ROMAN BRONZE WORKS N.Y. (Sculpture, near figure's proper left foot:) B.L. PRATT (Sculpture, near figure's proper right foot:) REPUBLICA OF THAT/AT YALE UNIVERSITY (Sculpture, around bottom rim:) I ONLY REGRET THAT I HAVE BUT ONE LIFE TO LOSE FOR MY COUNTRY (Base, front:) NATHAN HALE/CAPTAIN/ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES/BORN AT COVENTRY CONNECTICUT/JUNE 6, 1755/IN THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS/DUTY HE RESIGNED HIS/LIFE A SACRIFICE TO /HIS COUNTRY'S LIBERTY/AT NEW YORK/SEPTEMBER 22, 1776 signed Founder's mark appears.
The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.
Summary
Hale stands erect, hands and feet bound, just before he is to be hanged by the British for spying. It is at this time that he spoke his famous line, "I regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." He is dressed in a knee-length coat, knee britches, a vest, and shoes with big buckles. His hair is pulled back in a pony tail. He stares straight ahead. His hands, fist clenched, and his feet are bound with ropes.
Data Source
Art Inventories Catalog, Smithsonian American Art Museums
Date
Original ca. 1915. Cast ca. 1930. Dedicated April 18, 1948
Control number
IAS 76009919
sculptor
Pratt, Bela Lyon 1867-1917
architect
Orr, Douglas W.
founder
Roman Bronze Works
Subject
Hale, Nathan
Type
Sculptures-Outdoor Sculpture
Sculptures-Replica
Sculptures
Medium
Sculpture: bronze; Base: granite
Owner/Location
Administered by United States General Services Administration Washington District of Columbia
Located United States Department of Justice 10th Street & Constitution Avenue, N.W Southern facade Washington District of Columbia 20530
Topic
Portrait male--Full length
Occupation--Military--Captain
History--United States--Revolution
Record ID
siris_ari_21602
Usage
Usage conditions apply