Tragedy
William Rush, American, 1756 - 1833
Geography:
Made in United States, North and Central America
Date:
1808Medium:
Pine (originally painted)Dimensions:
Height: 7 feet 6 1/2 inches (229.9 cm)Curatorial Department:
American ArtObject Location:
1985-6-1Credit Line:
Purchased with funds contributed by The Mary Anderson Trust, 1985
Made in United States, North and Central America
Date:
1808Medium:
Pine (originally painted)Dimensions:
Height: 7 feet 6 1/2 inches (229.9 cm)Curatorial Department:
American ArtObject Location:
Currently not on view
Accession Number:1985-6-1Credit Line:
Purchased with funds contributed by The Mary Anderson Trust, 1985
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This sculpture was created for Philadelphia's first theater, the New Theatre, at Sixth and Chestnut streets. Until this time, Rush had been known for his carvings of ships' figureheads and for his ornamental work. This commission marked the beginning of Rush's creation of large-scale public sculptures.
Other works carved by Rush for Philadelphia include allegorical representations of the Schuylkill River for the original waterworks (where City Hall stands today); a set of figures for the second waterworks at Fairmount (also in the Museum's collection); and a full-length figure of George Washington.
