Chief Justice John Marshall

This bronze memorial shows a figure in judicial robes seated with one hand raised, as if pronouncing a decision from the bench. The sculpture sits on a granite base at the museum entrance and serves as a physical reminder of the nation's legal foundations.

The original statue was cast in Rome by Alessandro Nelli and dedicated in 1884 with an official ceremony. It was created by sculptor William Wetmore Story, whose father Joseph Story served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.

The statue represents John Marshall who served as Chief Justice from 1801 to 1835 and shaped the foundation of American constitutional law.

The memorial is located at the West Entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and is visible from outside. Visitors can view the sculpture at almost any time of the year since it is in an openly accessible area.

William Wetmore Story created this sculpture while his father Joseph Story served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.

Location: Philadelphia

Location: Washington, D.C.

Location: District of Columbia

Inception: 1883

Creator: William Wetmore Story

Website: https://associationforpublicart.org/artwork/chief-justice-john-marshall

GPS coordinates: 39.96622,-75.18179

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:04