This grand statue is the eye candy for the visitors and it is located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor in New York City. The statue of liberty is a colossal neoclassical sculpture. This statue is not just an outstanding work of art, but a welcoming sight for the travelers coming from abroad. This copper statue was designed by a great designer Bartholdi and Gustave Eiffel who sculpted this grand statue, which is a female figure representing the Roman goddess who has a torch in her hand and a tablet evoking the law and upon that the date is inscribed which is the date of the American Declaration of Independence. One can also observe a broken chain at the feet of the female figure. This statue is a perfect icon of freedom and liberty. The interior of the statue and the framework is done with iron and concrete is used in the base. The perfect use curtain wall type of construction for skin is outstanding and electricity is used to light the torch. Bartholdi and Edouard Rene De Laboulaye together worked on the concept of a statue to embody International peace, progress, friendship and the historical alliance between the United States and France. This statue brings forward art and technology in a powerful way.
Origin of the Statue
The idea of the Statue of liberty was proposed by a prominent political thinker and the president of French Anti-Slavery Society; Edouard de Laboulaye. According to the sculptor Bartholdi he got inspired by Laboulaye’s idea. Bartholdi and Laboulaye put many efforts for this grand statue and Bartholdi made his first model for the same in 1870 which he made during his U.S visit at La Farge’s Rhode Island studio. Bartholdi worked on many other structures as well, which was designed to bolster French patriotism after the defeat of the Prussians.
Authenticity, Protection and Management Requirements
This magnificent statue is authentic in terms of its use and function, spirit and feeling, Location and setting, form and materials. However, the purpose of the statue is preserved from the time this statue was constructed. Moreover the interior iron strap work which was supporting the metal skin was replaced in 1986 by stainless steel so that the statue will be maintained in a better condition and will not get ruined because of corrosion. Although many restoration programs are done in order to preserve the statue, the only threats to the statue are just pollution, large number of visitors and bad weather conditions.
This masterpiece of art and technology is owned by the Government of the United States of America and the statue is reputed as a National Monument in 1924 and it is also administered by National Park Service and that’s the reason it has the highest possible level of protection. One can reach the statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Museum is by ferries which is operated by State Cruises. This statue receives several visitors every year and the security of the property is maintained and is one of the important concerns. ]]>