Shall Celia become famous for her photographs of Grant’s statue? It’s scarcely likely. Isn’t it wonderful, though, when a subject of interest identifies itself, and the two of you become acquainted?
Celia imagines the body of her future photographs of Grant and his horse Cincinnati spread out around her, showing them at different times of day, in different seasons, the pictures taken from various vantages, chosen (or not chosen), but in any event each revealing something special about the statue, the time, and the surroundings.
Unlike many of the major sculptures in Chicago’s parks, the Grant equestrian statue is well sited and has been given the prominence that it deserves. Many beautiful works of sculpture have been less lucky. Many that once stood out against the landscape have since disappeared behind mature plantings or too tall trees. Signage impairs the dignity of some, while others are dwarfed by mountains of urban clutter that have grown up behind them.
Despite the hi-rises that you see in this picture, Grant’s statue has largely escaped this fate, thanks to the costly and enormous stone mount on which it sits, and thanks to its location in the park, next to a large pond (not visible in this picture), which has given it the geographical protection that it deserves.
