The Aviator (Charlottesville, Virginia)

The Aviator
Artist Gutzon Borglum
Year 1918
Type Bronze
Dimensions 4,400 cm × 3,400 cm (144 ft × 112 ft)
Location Charlottesville, Virginia
Owner

University of Virginia

Location Monument Square, bounded by University and Jefferson Park Aves. and the railroad tracks, Charlottesville, Virginia
Coordinates 38°2′18″N 78°30′21″W / 38.03833°N 78.50583°W / 38.03833; -78.50583Coordinates: 38°2′18″N 78°30′21″W / 38.03833°N 78.50583°W / 38.03833; -78.50583
Area less than one acre
Built 1919 (1919)
Architect Borglum, Gutzon
Architectural style Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals
NRHP reference # 06000758[1]
VLR # 002-5073
Significant dates
Added to NRHP November 9, 2006
Designated VLR June 8, 2006[2]

The Aviator is a historic sculpture located on the University of Virginia campus near Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Virginia.

History

The sculpture is a bronze statue commissioned in honor of University alumnus, James Rogers McConnell’s heroism and courage in World War I, as a member of the Lafayette Escadrille.

It was designed by Gutzon Borglum and dedicated in 1919. The sculpture measures 12 feet high and 8 feet, 6 inches wide.[3]

It is located in front of Clemons Library on the grounds of the University of Virginia. Due to the library's abundant 24-hour study space available for students, The Aviator is a fixture in everyday life at the University.[4]

It is an athletic male nude with his feet placed shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent and arms outstretched supporting a pair of wings.[5] The blade/knife; dirk or possible dagger/stiletto the figure has in his sheath is a recognized symbol of masculinity.[6][7]

It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 National Park Service (2010-07-09). "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.
  2. ↑ "Virginia Landmarks Register". Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Retrieved 2013-05-12.
  3. ↑ "The Aviator, (sculpture)". Inventory of American Sculpture. Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved 29 May 2013.
  4. ↑ http://www.library.virginia.edu/blog/libraries/clemons/
  5. ↑ Susan Smead and Taryn Harrison (April 2006). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: George Rogers Clark Sculpture" (PDF). and Accompanying four photos
  6. ↑ https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94979969
  7. ↑ https://books.google.com/books?id=2fvGAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA120&lpg=PA120&dq=dagger+sexual+confusion&source=bl&ots=CaQlffJwHZ&sig=u_enb1LhLIAyhO70icYyv6MPiV8&hl=en&sa=X&ei=LeLPVMqSFY_uggTOnIQg&ved=0CB4Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=dagger%20sexual%20confusion&f=false
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