Nathan Hale, also by Gerhardt, stands inside the east entrance of the capitol’s first floor corridor. One of Connecticut’s earliest heroes, the young school teacher was hanged by the British as a spy in 1776. The statue’s marble base is inscribed with the patriot’s final words to his executioners: “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”
Gerhardt’s statue is above life-sized. The statue’s neck is bared at the moment before the noose is put into place. Hale’s large hands and straining neck emphasize the intense emotion of the coming event. His outstretched arms indicate the sacrifice he has accepted. This pose is reserved compared to the more dramatic conception of Hale (1889) by E.F. Woods (q. v.) now in front of the Wadsworth Athenaeum. The monument was cast by M.H. Mosman, Chicopee, Massachusetts.
Capitol of the State of Connecitcut, Hartford, Lobby
This Artwork
Nearby Work
- Capitol of the State of Connecticut0MI / NW
- Capitol Dome: Genius of Connecticut0MI / E
- Capitol Dome: Allegories of Humanity: Agriculture, Commerce, Law, War, Science and Music0MI / E
- Union Soldier0MI / E
- Capitol Sculpture, South Wing: Ella Grasso0MI / S
- Capitol Sculpture, West Facade: American Revolutionary Leaders in CT0MI / NW
Sources
- Grant, Marion H. In and About Hartford. Hartford, 1978, P. 186, 196. :
- Paine, Albert Bigelow. Mark Twain: A Biography. Vol 2. New York, 1912. P. 70203, 774. :
- Public Arts Survey. Hartford, Ct., Nov. 21, 1974 :