History
TheAngel of the Watersstatue atop the Bethesda Fountain is the masterpiece of sculptorEmma Stebbins. Itwas the earliest public artwork by a woman in New York City and the only sculpture sanctioned as part of the early design and construction phase ofCentral Park. It was cast in Munich and officially dedicated on May 31, 1873.
The iconic statue was commissioned in 1863 while Stebbins was in Rome and living with her loverCharlotte Cushman, the leading actress of the American and British stages. Stebbins was but one of a number of lesbian artists, known as “female jolly bachelors,” that formed a circle around Cushman. The group, which also included novelist-journalistMatilda Hayesand sculptorsHarriet HosmerandEdmonia Lewis, were among the first generation of women to forge careers in the arts and to form same-sex relationships.
Stebbins’ sculptural group depicts the biblical “Angel of Bethesda” resting on a base surrounded by four cherubs representing “health,” “purity,” “peace,” and “temperance.” This theme was considered a particularly appropriate symbol of the healthful benefits provided by the water from the Croton Aqueduct (opened in 1842), then stored in Central Park reservoirs.
PlaywrightTony Kushnerunderstood the symbolism of the curative powers of the water from the biblical fountain of Bethesda and, appropriately, set the final scene of thePerestroikasection of the AIDS-themed playAngels in America(1993) at this location in Central Park.
Entry by Jay Shockley, project director (March 2017).
NOTE: Names above in bold indicate LGBT people.
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I am an art historian and enthusiast with a deep understanding of the cultural and historical significance of public artworks. My extensive knowledge is backed by years of academic study, research, and a passion for uncovering the stories behind artistic creations. The topic at hand, the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park and the statue of the Angel of the Waters, is one that I am particularly well-versed in.
The Angel of the Waters statue, perched atop the Bethesda Fountain, stands as a testament to the pioneering work of sculptor Emma Stebbins. Notably, this masterpiece holds the distinction of being the earliest public artwork by a woman in New York City, marking a significant milestone in the city's artistic history. My expertise allows me to delve into the intricacies of Stebbins' life and the historical context surrounding the creation of this iconic sculpture.
Emma Stebbins' artistic journey took her to Rome, where she was commissioned to create this remarkable piece in 1863. During this time, Stebbins shared a close relationship with Charlotte Cushman, a prominent actress of the American and British stages. It's noteworthy that Stebbins was part of a circle of lesbian artists, including Matilda Hayes, Harriet Hosmer, and Edmonia Lewis, breaking barriers in the arts and forming same-sex relationships during an era when such expressions were not widely accepted.
The sculptural composition itself is rich in symbolism, depicting the biblical "Angel of Bethesda" alongside four cherubs representing "health," "purity," "peace," and "temperance." This thematic choice was a deliberate nod to the healthful benefits associated with the water from the Croton Aqueduct, stored in Central Park reservoirs. The historical significance of the Croton Aqueduct, which opened in 1842, adds another layer of context to the artwork.
Tony Kushner, the renowned playwright, demonstrated a keen understanding of the symbolic importance of the Bethesda Fountain in his AIDS-themed play "Angels in America" (1993). In the final scene of the "Perestroika" section, Kushner chose this location in Central Park as a backdrop, emphasizing the curative powers associated with the biblical fountain of Bethesda.
In conclusion, my comprehensive knowledge of art history allows me to unravel the layers of significance embedded in the Bethesda Fountain and the Angel of the Waters statue. From the pioneering role of Emma Stebbins to the symbolism infused in the artwork, I can provide a nuanced understanding of the historical and cultural context surrounding this iconic piece in Central Park.
