Analyzing an Allegorical Statue

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Quickly scan the sculpture. What do you notice first?

Describe it as if you were explaining it to someone who can’t see it. Think about: shape, color, texture, size, weight, age, condition, movable parts, or anything written on it.

List the people, objects and activities you see.

Write one sentence summarizing this artwork.

Try to make sense of it

What do the people, objects or activities represent?

What was happening at the time in history it was created?

What is the message? List evidence from the artwork or your knowledge about the artist that led you to your conclusion.

Use it as historical evidence

What did you find out from this sculpture that you might not learn anywhere else?

What other documents or historical evidence are you going to use to help you understand the event or time in which this sculpture was created?

The name of this sculpture is “America” by Daniel Chester French and is one in series of four major sculptures entitled “Four Continents” located near the entrance of the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House in New York City.

How does that name impact your interpretation of the sculpture? What details evident in the sculpture support the title “America?”

Click on “View Entire Document” to see additional photographs of the Four Continents series.

What similarities and differences do you notice between these four sculptures?

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Meet the sculpture

Observe its parts

Try to make sense of it

Use it as historical evidence

When you're done

Explore Primary Sources

Discover Activities

Create Activities