Civic Virtue Triumphant Over Unrighteousness, Marble sculpture in Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, US.
Civic Virtue Triumphant Over Unrighteousness is a marble sculpture showing a male figure with a sword standing above two female figures with serpentine tails representing vice and corruption. The work stands about 17 feet tall and was originally commissioned for New York City Hall.
Frederick William MacMonnies created this sculpture between 1909 and 1922 at the request of Mayor George McClellan. The work was later moved to Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn where it stands today.
The portrayal of women in this work sparked protests in the 1920s after female voting rights were granted. Visitors can still observe how the gender symbolism made this piece controversial and worthy of public debate.
The sculpture is located in the northeastern section of Green-Wood Cemetery and is accessible to visitors. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since the cemetery grounds are hilly and best explored on foot.
During World War I, the statue was buried twice in France to protect it from destruction. This unusual story reveals how much the city valued this work of art.
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