Equestrian Statue of Theodore Roosevelt at the American Museum of Natural History

The Equestrian Statue of Theodore Roosevelt, standing on the John Russell Pope Central Park West Staircase leading up to the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) was dedicated on October 27, 1940. Sculptor James Earle Fraser's 10-foot tall bronze statue sits atop architect John Russell Pope's 8-foot, 8-inch high granite base. The work, which was acquired by the City of New York through a provision of the New York state legislature, depicts Teddy Roosevelt on horseback as both a hunter and explorer. He is flanked by the figures of two guides, one Native American and one African, meant to symoblize the continents of America and Africa. The Native American figure is striding forward wearing a feather headdress, moccasins and a long sarong around his waist. The African figure is striding forward with a cloth draped over his proper right shoulder and a gun in his proper right hand. Roosevelt grasps the reins of his horse in his proper left hand and reaches back with his proper right hand as if to grab the gun which he wears in a holster around his waist.

 

The American Museum of Natural History was founded in 1869. Theodore Roosevelt, Sr., the father of Theodore Roosevelt, was one of the founders.

 

Equestrian Statue of Theodore Roosevelt is a bronze statue, by James Earle Fraser. It is located at the American Museum of Natural History, New York City. It was dedicated on October 27, 1940.

 

The inscription reads:

(On rear of sculpture:)

J E FRASER SC 1939

(On front of base:)

THEODORE ROOSEVELT

1858-1919

(On left side of base:)

GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

1899 1901

(On right side of base:)

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

1901 1909 signed

 

 

American Museum of Natural History, New York City, NY.

 

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