The Aviator (Charlottesville, Virginia)

The Aviator is a historic sculpture located on the University of Virginia campus near Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Virginia.

The Aviator
ArtistGutzon Borglum
Year1918
TypeBronze
Dimensions4,400 cm × 3,400 cm (144 ft × 112 ft)
LocationCharlottesville, Virginia
OwnerUniversity of Virginia
LocationMonument Square, bounded by University and Jefferson Park Aves. and the railroad tracks, Charlottesville, Virginia
Coordinates38°2′18″N 78°30′21″W
Arealess than one acre
Built1919 (1919)
ArchitectBorglum, Gutzon
Architectural styleLate 19th And 20th Century Revivals
NRHP reference No.06000758[1]
VLR No.002-5073
Significant dates
Added to NRHPNovember 9, 2006
Designated VLRJune 8, 2006[2]

History

The sculpture is a bronze statue commissioned in honor of University alumnus, James Rogers McConnell’s heroism and courage in World War I, as a member of the Lafayette Escadrille.

The Aviator was designed by Gutzon Borglum and dedicated in 1919. The sculpture measures 12 feet high and 8 feet, 6 inches wide.[3]

It is located in front of Clemons Library on the grounds of the University of Virginia. Due to the library's abundant 24-hour study space available for students, The Aviator is a fixture in everyday life at the University.[4]

It is an athletic male nude with his feet placed shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent and arms outstretched supporting a pair of wings.[5] The blade/knife; dirk or possible dagger/stiletto the figure has in his sheath is a recognized symbol of masculinity.[6][7]

It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.[1]

  • The Aviator, April 2013
  • The Aviator, December 2005
  • The Seven Society inscription
  • Inscription

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  2. "Virginia Landmarks Register". Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Retrieved 2013-05-12.
  3. "The Aviator, (sculpture)". Inventory of American Sculpture. Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved 29 May 2013.
  4. http://www.library.virginia.edu/blog/libraries/clemons/
  5. Susan Smead and Taryn Harrison (April 2006). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: George Rogers Clark Sculpture" (PDF). and Accompanying four photos
  6. https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94979969
  7. Schotten, C. (2009-07-20). Nietzsche's Revolution: Décadence, Politics, and Sexuality. ISBN 9780230623224.
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