The Spirit of Life, Bronze sculpture in Congress Park, Saratoga Springs, United States
The Spirit of Life is a bronze sculpture in Congress Park depicting a winged female figure. She holds a shallow bowl above her head and grasps a pine branch in her other hand.
The monument was created in 1914 to honor Spencer Trask, a Wall Street financier who helped establish Saratoga Springs as a health resort. His contributions were essential in transforming the town into a destination for wellness seekers.
The figure represents Hygieia, the ancient goddess of health and healing. This choice reflects how the town itself became known as a place where people came seeking wellness.
The sculpture stands in Congress Park near the natural springs that made the town famous. Its location is accessible for visitors exploring other features of the park at the same time.
The sculpture was created by Daniel Chester French, one of the most important American sculptors of his era. The artist used Hettie Anderson as his model, giving the figure an expressive and lifelike quality.
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