Leif Eriksson statue by Anne Whitney endured major changes

Since 1887 when sculptor Anne Whitney (1821-1915) completed her monument to Viking leader Leif Eriksson, some changes have had impact on it. One change was in a theory that drove the commission of the art. The theory was that Leif Eriksson had established a settlement called Vinland in 1000 CE on the banks of what is now called the Charles River. Later findings led historians to favor different theories about the settlement’s location, possibly on the northeast coast of Canada.

Without the originally intended connection of Leif Eriksson (or Erikson) to the Boston area, the monument is still significant in calling attention to Nordic explorers in North America and in the features and details of the whole work of art. Below the bronze figure of Eriksson scouting the uncharted lands is a sandstone base with shapes and symbols of a Viking ship. Two bronze plaques in the base depict scenes from the Nordic sagas about Viking explorations.

Anne Whitney’s ability to connect her sculptured figures with dramatic, sometimes controversial, stories was a striking aspect of her work. Her own long life was full of dramatic stories that marked her determination to be a successful creative sculptor at a time when few women could or would persist as she did. Her commitments to abolition, women’s rights, and other social reforms of her time were incorporated in the art she chose to make. Anne Whitney’s life story connects her with other artists and art in Boston, so there should soon be another Back Bay Arts Examiner article that reveals more about her.

Anne Whitney’s Leif Eriksson monument is listed at the beginning or end of at least three different art walks in the Back Bay. So another change is worth noting for its impact on both art and viewer. In 1917 the monument was relocated to Charlesgate East and Commonwealth Avenue from a position that had been more integral to the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. The practical consequence is an extra challenge for someone who wants to walk the mall and view the art. To begin or end with Leif Eriksson, you should allow time to make various crossings, including Massachusetts Avenue. When you are close to the monument, give time to take in its stories.

Leif Eriksson is number 1 on the Map and Guide to 100 Public Art Works in Boston. Dial 617-231-4053 and then 1# to access its description. Access the Public Art Walk map and guide and related information at the following site. http://www.publicartboston.com/

Sites providing background for this article:
http://www.canadianmysteries.ca/sites/vinland/home/indexen.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_Whitney

http://bwht.org/tours/artists