George Washington, Marble sculpture in Washington Square, Philadelphia, United States.
This marble sculpture in Washington Square depicts the first president created by Joseph A. Bailly, showing the figure in a standing pose with carefully rendered clothing details. A bronze replica now occupies the original site, mounted on a base combining marble and granite materials.
The white marble original was dedicated in 1869 by Philadelphia Mayor Daniel M. Fox, becoming an important civic monument of that era. The original was later relocated to Conversation Hall at Philadelphia City Hall for preservation.
The sculpture embodies classical ideals of American leadership through marble carving, reflecting how the city chose to honor its founding connections. It forms part of Philadelphia's public art collection, where such monuments shaped civic pride and historical memory.
The sculpture is located in Washington Square, where it sits on a public plaza readily accessible to visitors. Daylight provides the best viewing conditions to see the monument's details clearly and observe the surrounding park activity.
The original white marble statue once stood at this location but was eventually relocated indoors to Conversation Hall for protection from the elements. Visitors today encounter a bronze replica at the original spot, while the precious marble version is preserved inside.
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