58-Foot Bronze Frieze Begun For First-Ever National World War I Monument In D.C.
- February 14, 2021 14:38
A massive 38-figure sculptural frieze at the center of a new memorial commemorating those who served in the First World War is underway.
The "nation's official World War I monument when it's unveiled in Washington, D.C., in 2023 or 2024, may be the largest freestanding bronze relief in the western hemisphere," according to USA Today.
Artist Sabin Howard has been working with a team of sculptors and models on the project at his studio in Englewood, N.J., since August 2019. The 58-foot long, 10-foot high tableau is dubbed "A Soldier's Journey." (See the work in progress.)
The sculpture's first elements were cast into bronze in a "First Pour" at a U.K. foundry in January. "With the clay sculpture now being cast in bronze, the sculpture will now outlast us all," said Howard. "This memorial will play forward the sacredness and importance of WWI; it is made for the visitors coming to Washington to see this country’s history."
A national memorial exists in D.C. for every major U.S. conflict, except World War One. The monument will honor the 4.7 million Americans who served in the Great War, including the 116,516 who lost their lives.
To be located in Pershing Park, a block away from the White House, the World War One memorial is nearing its $50 million fundraising goal, according to the Doughboy Foundation. Learn more about the project here.
