"When liberty is the prize, who would shun the warfare? Who would stoop to waste a coward thought on life? We esteem no sacrifice too great, no conflict too severe, to redeem our inestimable rights and privileges."
- Maj. Gen. Dr. Joseph Warren
(August 24, 1774)
(August 24, 1774)
About the Project
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About the Maquette
Once sculptor John Hebensteit had accepted the commission to design and create a full-body, full-size bronze statue of Maj. Gen. Dr. Joseph Warren, he was challenged to determine exactly how to depict Dr. Warren.
Of the artistic renderings of Joseph Warren created after his death, the majority depict him in his military role, holding a sword or with epaulettes on his shoulders. It was in that role that the cinematic climax of his life occurred with his martyr’s death in the closing moments at the Battle of Bunker Hill.
John Hebenstreit, in consultation with the Maj. Gen. Dr. Joseph Warren Statue Project Committee, and Joseph Warren biographer, Christian DiSpigna, has chosen to recreate Dr. Warren as he would have looked had we paused with him beneath the Liberty Tree to deliberate and consider the news of the day.
The design process began with the creation of an 18-inch maquette in sculpting clay, a miniature with which a myriad of stylistic options could be created and considered. John roughs in facial details and quickly turns his attention to defining and evaluating pose, attire, and accessories. Dr. Warren’s attire was reviewed in detail with biographer, Christian DiSpigna. Warren’s hat, shoes and everything between were taken into intentional consideration.
If you were to quiz people today on the accessory most often associated with a medical professional, the stethoscope would be the top response. Physicians of the 18th century however seldom left home without a different accoutrement – their cane! A hidden handle compartment often contained basic instruments and supplies in addition to substances of appealing odor – mint, lavender, myrrh. According to the miasma theory of the time, contagious disease could be spread by smelling the putrid “bad air” of contagion. A physician armed with assorted pleasing perfumes believed he could keep ailments at a distance.
Of the artistic renderings of Joseph Warren created after his death, the majority depict him in his military role, holding a sword or with epaulettes on his shoulders. It was in that role that the cinematic climax of his life occurred with his martyr’s death in the closing moments at the Battle of Bunker Hill.
John Hebenstreit, in consultation with the Maj. Gen. Dr. Joseph Warren Statue Project Committee, and Joseph Warren biographer, Christian DiSpigna, has chosen to recreate Dr. Warren as he would have looked had we paused with him beneath the Liberty Tree to deliberate and consider the news of the day.
The design process began with the creation of an 18-inch maquette in sculpting clay, a miniature with which a myriad of stylistic options could be created and considered. John roughs in facial details and quickly turns his attention to defining and evaluating pose, attire, and accessories. Dr. Warren’s attire was reviewed in detail with biographer, Christian DiSpigna. Warren’s hat, shoes and everything between were taken into intentional consideration.
If you were to quiz people today on the accessory most often associated with a medical professional, the stethoscope would be the top response. Physicians of the 18th century however seldom left home without a different accoutrement – their cane! A hidden handle compartment often contained basic instruments and supplies in addition to substances of appealing odor – mint, lavender, myrrh. According to the miasma theory of the time, contagious disease could be spread by smelling the putrid “bad air” of contagion. A physician armed with assorted pleasing perfumes believed he could keep ailments at a distance.
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Harmon MuseumTues - Sat: | 10am - 4pm
Year Round |
RESEARCH LIBRARY
Thurs & Fri | 10-4pm
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1795 BEEDLE cABINSaturdays | 11-1pm
April - December |
In Partnership with:
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Thank you to our generous sponsors:
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Mary Alice Leisure
Foundation |