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There is something else of note in Compton Hill Reservoir Park besides the water tower, where I went to shoot Sunday's photo. This statue is called Naked Truth and it's a local icon. The three names behind the figure were the editors of the German language St. Louis Westliche Post in the early 20th Century. The statue was bankrolled by Adolphus Busch, founder of the Anheuser-Busch dynasty. There was a big brouhaha about the statue's nudity. Prudes demanded that it be draped. The sculptor, Wilhelm Wandschneider of Berlin, refused. The compromise was to change the material from white marble to bronze to - I don't know - de-emphasize her, um, rather evident nakedness or something. For details, click here and scroll down to the section about the statue.
I wondered if I should have saved this for the May 1 CDP theme day but then I thought, nah, I can find something stranger.
There is something else of note in Compton Hill Reservoir Park besides the water tower, where I went to shoot Sunday's photo. This statue is called Naked Truth and it's a local icon. The three names behind the figure were the editors of the German language St. Louis Westliche Post in the early 20th Century. The statue was bankrolled by Adolphus Busch, founder of the Anheuser-Busch dynasty. There was a big brouhaha about the statue's nudity. Prudes demanded that it be draped. The sculptor, Wilhelm Wandschneider of Berlin, refused. The compromise was to change the material from white marble to bronze to - I don't know - de-emphasize her, um, rather evident nakedness or something. For details, click here and scroll down to the section about the statue.I wondered if I should have saved this for the May 1 CDP theme day but then I thought, nah, I can find something stranger.
Good shot. And very interesting informations. You've awoken my interest, Rob.
ReplyDeleteune belle statue, j'aime bien l'angle que tu as choisi, cela fait bien ressortir la statue
ReplyDeleteQuite literal, isn't it? I can imagine the arguments back then, but now it probably doesn't get a single raised eyebrow.
ReplyDeleteBut it still would here. Sigh.
The prudes who would have such a statue draped would hide the truth - it looks tasteful not crude.
ReplyDeleteHere is the bare fact, Bob. I love this post.
ReplyDeleteGood for Mr. Wallcutter (what a fantastic name for a sculptor) somehow it wouldn't have the same effect all draped up.
ReplyDeleteI always wonder what prudes make of medieval and Renaissance paintings of the more or less nude Virgin...
WEll I for one think Wilhelm should have sculpted her in PINK marble! :) i gave you credit for the fab title but see the artist beat you to it. Tell the prudes in the Lou to chug a few beers from Adolphus' co. and get over their foolish selves. She's gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteAlways one of my local faves. I read that the sculptor was sent an urgent telegram letting him know that they regretted not being able to use his services. He got the letter as he was leaving for the U.S., pretneded to have not gotten it and came anyway. Good for him, we're the better for it.
ReplyDeleteIt's hilarious to think of draping the naked truth.
ReplyDeleteThe detail in the figure is gorgeous, but I guess that's what they were all riled up about, huh!
ReplyDelete