Marquis de Lafayette Monument, Memorial monument in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, United States
The Marquis de Lafayette Monument is a bronze relief in Prospect Park depicting a figure on horseback with accompanying forms. The composition measures approximately 19 feet (5.8 meters) in height and approximately 22 feet (6.7 meters) in width, rendered in raised relief style.
A wealthy Brooklyn resident left funds in his will to construct this monument, which was completed in the early 20th century. The creation of this tribute occurred during a period when the city was honoring French-American ties and the influence of Enlightenment ideals.
The monument displays Italian Renaissance design and reflects how the city honored the ideals of freedom and human dignity that Lafayette represented. Visitors can read inscriptions carved into the surface that emphasize his role in establishing these principles.
The monument stands in Prospect Park near Ninth Street and is accessible to visitors during daylight hours. The location makes it convenient to view the work while taking a walk through the park, especially if you approach from this area.
The relief includes the figure of James Armistead Lafayette, an African American who served as a spy for the independence movement. The inclusion of this lesser-known historical figure makes the monument a layered reminder of the struggle for freedom.
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