Comedy (detail)
from museum label:
Comedy and Tragedy
1808
Pine (originally painted)
Made by William Rush, American,
born 1756, died 1833
William Rush created these two sculptures, Comedy and Tragedy, for Philadelphia's first theater, the New Theatre, at Sixth and Chestnut Streets. Until this time, Rush had been known for his carvings of ship's figureheads and for his ornamental work. This commission marked the beginning of the artist's creation of large-scale public sculptures.
Other works carved by Rush for Philadelphia include allegorical representations of the Schuykill River for the original waterworks (where City Hall stands today); a set of figures for the second waterworks at Fairmount (now part of the Museum's collection); and a full-length figure of George Washington.
Purchased with funds contributed by The Mary Anderson Trust,
1985-6-1,2
Comedy (detail)
from museum label:
Comedy and Tragedy
1808
Pine (originally painted)
Made by William Rush, American,
born 1756, died 1833
William Rush created these two sculptures, Comedy and Tragedy, for Philadelphia's first theater, the New Theatre, at Sixth and Chestnut Streets. Until this time, Rush had been known for his carvings of ship's figureheads and for his ornamental work. This commission marked the beginning of the artist's creation of large-scale public sculptures.
Other works carved by Rush for Philadelphia include allegorical representations of the Schuykill River for the original waterworks (where City Hall stands today); a set of figures for the second waterworks at Fairmount (now part of the Museum's collection); and a full-length figure of George Washington.
Purchased with funds contributed by The Mary Anderson Trust,
1985-6-1,2