Civic Virtue & the Politics of Display
Civic Virtue & the Politics of Display,
or How Anthony Weiner Shed Light on a Public Art Cause: Notes from One Preservation Archive
Frederick MacMonnies's Civic Virtue, a monumental Progressive Era fountain in Kew Gardens, Queens, is an exemplar of the "political correctness versus preservation" debate. The statue's imagery invoked high-minded ideals, but has also been regarded as misogynous, and is thus in disrepair. Michele H. Bogart, author and professor of art history at Stony Brook University, sheds new light on the history of this important monument, revealing how sex and the city were the heart of the problem, and how the sad story of Anthony Weiner paradoxically helped its cause.
Sponsored by the New York Preservation Archive Project and the Fine Arts Federation of New York.
Because of strict security at the Empire State Building, RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED and identification must be presented at the security desk; only those that RSVP will be able to attend.
To RSVP call 212-988-8379 or email mcoody@nypap.org.