Siemering Washington Monument, Philadelphia

What it is

This is a historic color slide photograph of a bronze equestrian monument to George Washington in Philadelphia, created by the German sculptor Rudolf Siemering between 1879 and 1897. The statue stands at Eakins Oval.

Why it matters

Built decades after Washington's death, this grand equestrian monument reflects how later generations wanted to remember him as a heroic military and political leader. Siemering's choice of a horse and dramatic pose follows a long tradition of honouring leaders through equestrian statues.

Look closer

• Why do you think sculptors often showed leaders like Washington on horseback?
• What does the size and setting of the monument suggest about how important Washington was considered to be?
• This photograph is itself a historical object — what does the slide format tell you about when and how it was viewed?