Stephen Foster, Bronze sculpture in Schenley Plaza, Oakland, US
Stephen Foster is a bronze sculpture depicting the composer seated with a notebook while a figure plays banjo beside him. The work stood in public spaces for decades before its removal due to concerns about how the composition represented different people.
The sculpture was created by an Italian artist in 1900 and originally installed in another location before being relocated during the 1940s. Its presence in public spaces lasted over a century until its removal in 2018 prompted broader conversations about representation.
The monument represents Foster, known as the father of American music, who composed over 200 songs including Oh Susanna and Beautiful Dreamer.
The sculpture is no longer accessible at its former public location as it was removed as part of a broader review of public monuments. Those interested in learning more about the work can reach out to local cultural institutions to understand its history and the reasons for its removal.
A family member of the composer served as a model during the creation of the work. The dedication ceremony attracted tens of thousands of people, making it a major public event of its time.
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