PATRIOTIC PLASTER STATUES BY SCULPTOR JOHN ROGERS
Pair of painted plaster figures by sculptor John Rogers. Included is: :THE WOUNDED SCOUT A FRIEND IN THE SWAMP", the reverse reading: "Patented June 28, 1864", 22 3/4" x 10 3/8" x 8 1/4" depicting an escaped slave helping a wounded Union scout make his way through hostile terrain. In 1868 the New York Evening Mail called this work: "a powerful argument of the rights of the negro, and has had a wider influence than the most labored speeches of [Senator Charles] Sumner, or [the abolitionist Wendell] Phillips, or [Senator Benjamin] Wade." Also present is another plaster cast by Rogers: "ONE MORE SHOT WOUNDED TO THE REAR", about the same size, reverse reading: "Patented Jan. 17, 1865". This casting bears chipped paint although the plaster itself is apparently undamaged. Two pieces.