SCULPTURES 6 - Discoverers, Pioneers, Defense, Regeneration: Michigan Ave Bridge
YOU’VE SEEN THEM - BUT HAVE YOU REALLY SEEN THEM?
The relief sculptures that adorn the four bridge houses on the Michigan Avenue Bridge commemorate important events in Chicago’s early history. The two limestone reliefs on the northern pylons, The Discoverers and The Pioneers, were carved by James Earle Fraser (1876-1953) and were a gift from William Wrigley, Jr. The southern pylons feature carvings by Henry Hering (1874-1949), entitled Defense and Regeneration, and were erected by the B. F. Ferguson Monument Fund.
The Discoverers depicts French explorers Louis Jolliet and Jacques Marquette, as well as René Robert Cavelier, Sieur de LaSalle and his lieutenant Henri de Tonti. Although Marquette was a Jesuit priest, he is portrayed wearing a Franciscan robe. The allegorical figure above, possibly a symbol of divine protection, carries a torch of guidance.
The Pioneers portrays fur trader John Kinzie leading a group of non-native settlers into Indian country. In addition to many works of public sculpture, Fraser was famous for his 1913 design for the Indian head or “Buffalo” nickel.
Defense depicts the Potawatomi attack on the United States contingent evacuating Fort Dearborn (which stood near the bridge) on August 15, 1812. The main figure on the right is William Wells, who was abducted as a teenager by a Miami war party near the Ohio River and later adopted by the village chief. Attempting to lead the group to safety, Wells was abandoned by his Miami escort and was eventually killed by the Potawatomi warriors.
Regeneration focuses upon the reconstruction of Chicago following the Great Fire of 1871. Amidst muscular men hard at work stands a female personification of “Chicago” who steps on a salamander, a creature mythically associated with fire.
NOTES CREDIT: https://chicagopublicart.blogspot.com/2013/09/defense-regeneration-pioneers.html