William Rush
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William Rush (1756 - 1833) was a U.S. neoclassical sculptor from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is considered the first major American sculptor.
He was trained in the carving of ships' heads in wood. This translated into sculptures that were deeply undercut and visible from far away through the dramatic use of contrast and strong shadows. Rush blended American artisanal tradition and neoclassical form.
Rush was one of the first to create outdoor public sculpture in the U.S. His Comedy and Tragedy was carved in 1808 for the New Theater on Chesnut Street in Philadelphia designed by Benjamin Latrobe. His Water Nymph and Bittern was created in 1809 for a Philadelphia waterworks that was also designed by Latrobe.
Rush helped found the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, showing his interest in art beyond the American craft tradition.
[edit] References
Craven, Wayne. American Art. London: McGraw Hill. 2003.
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