Recently, I have reviewed a number of interesting books published by the Indiana Historical Society Press. The past two reviews have been on the works of two early photographers in the state. Sticking with an art theme, Remembrance, Faith, and Fancy: Outdoor Public Sculpture in Indiana by Glory-June Greiff is a biographical directory to outdoor art in the state of Indiana. From the first “homegrown” sculptures, three road-markers in Brown County, trough a surge of post-civil war memorials and monument, and on through today, Greiff, a noted historian, provides an historical glimpse into the growth and placement of over 1,500 sculptures in the state.
Part I of the book covers key sculpture broken into six categories divided by chapter. Historical and descriptive details, along with photographs are given for dozens of unique artworks. Part II, the largest portion of the book, provides a location and information to all known sculptures on a county by county basis. Over 200 photographs add to the section, helping to bring the descriptions to life.
The artwork described, and shown, in these pages include every sculpture type you could images. Cars, obelisks, fountains, people, monuments, memorials, and even modern art represent a diversity in art and culture over the years. Some sculptures have weathered the years well and other are barely recognizable. Ultimately, sculptures are can be as important as any photography in understanding a culture and learning to appreciate the past. This book may not fit the normal genealogical research model our readers normal look for, but the book is no less entertaining and interesting for its subject matter.
Remembrance, Faith, and Fancy: Outdoor Public Sculpture in Indiana from Family Roots Publishing.
Table of Contents
Preface
Raiders of the Lost Art: A Quest for Outdoor Sculpture in Indiana
Acknowledgments
Part One
Yesterday and Today: An Overview of Outdoor Sculpture in Indiana
Chapter One
From Billy Yank to GI Joe: Sculptural Memorials to War and Peace
Chapter Two
Movers and Shakers and Monument Makers: Effigies of Heroes and Archetypes
Chapter Three
Saints, Angels, and Graven Images: Religious Sculpture
Chapter Four
Lions and Santas and Bears, Oh My! Animals, Children, Whimsies, and Oddities
Chapter Five
Scales and Sheavers, Fountains and Flowers: Allegorical and Aesthetic Public Sculpture
Chapter Six
What Is That Supposed to Be? Public Encounters with Contemporary Sculpture
Part Two
Outdoor Sculpture around the State: A County-by-County Odyssey
Notes
Bibliography
Index
Get this great coffee table book, Remembrance, Faith, and Fancy: Outdoor Public Sculpture in Indiana, from Family Roots Publishing; Item #: IHS033.