Nathan Hale
Artist
Frederick William MacMonnies
(American, 1863–1937)
Date1890
Mediumbronze
Dimensions71.8 cm (28 1/4 in.)
ClassificationsSculpture
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Terms
Object number1910.19
Label TextNathan Hale, a member of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, was captured by the British on an intelligence mission behind enemy lines in New York. Before the 21 year-old was executed as a spy on September 22, 1776, he reportedly proclaimed, “I only regret that I have one life to lose for my country.”
This statue is based on Frederick MacMonnies’s winning design for a monument in New York’s City Hall Park. The sculptor wrote that “I wanted to make something that would set the boot-blacks and little clerks around there thinking—something that would make them want to be somebody and find life worth living.” MacMonnies animated the folds of Hale’s clothing and the locks of his hair. His body’s position indicates that his expressively gesturing wrists are bound. Yet the patriot’s expression is calm, suggesting his belief in the importance of his mission and his acceptance of his destiny.ProvenanceTheodore B. Starr, New York NYOn View
Not on view
