Figurative Sculptures: Learning, Religion and Industry at Parkman Plaza - Boston, MA

Learning, Religion and Industry

Boston Common

Boston, MA
 

GPS: N42° 21.322; W71° 3.820

Short Description:

Three figurative sculptures representing Learning, Religion and Industry are located at Parkman Plaza along Tremont Street in the Boston Common, Boston, MA.

Long Description: 

Sculptors Arcangelo Cascieri, Aido di Biccari,  and  landscape architects Shurcliff and Merrill created this plaza that honors George F. Parkman.  Three separate bronze sculptures symbolizing  Boston's leadership in the areas of learning, religion, and industry.  Learning is represented by a seated man on a sphere with a compass in his right hand and an open book in his proper left. Religion is represented by a man kneeling with his arms extended downward and his face turned upward. Industry is represented by a man straddling a hemisphere formed of pentagons while using a jackhammer. Each is presented on a granite base.  The sculptures were dedicated in 1961.

At the base of the Religion sculpture is the inscription:

PARKMAN PLAZA

DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF

GEORGE F. PARKMAN 1823-1908

THROUGH WHOSE BENEFICENCE

LAFAYETTE MALL WAS IMPROVED

AND THIS PLAZA CREATED 

1958-1960 

BY HON. JOHN F. COLLINS 

AND 

HON. JOHN HYMES 

MAYORS OF BOSTON