Introduction to The Weaver
- The Weaver is a bronze high-relief outdoor public sculpture in Peace Dale, Rhode Island, created in 1919 by Daniel Chester French and mounted in a stone housing designed by architect Henry Bacon. It was commissioned by Caroline Hazard as a memorial to her father and her brothers Rowland and Frederick.
- Daniel Chester French (1850-1931), a prominent American sculptor, created over 200 works, including among others the Lincoln Memorial; the Minute Man in Concord, Massachusetts; the DuPont Circle fountain in Washington, D.C.; and the bronze doors of the Boston Public Library.
- Not all of French’s work was intended for a public audience. He completed at least 10 smaller private commissions in 1919 and 1920 alone, of which The Weaver was one.
- French’s title for the work was “Life, Time, and the Weaver,” giving equal billing to all 3 figures. In most other written references, including articles in newspapers, magazines, and tourist brochures, it is called “The Weaver”. Ms. Hazard explained at the dedication that her concept had always centered on a weaver. In newspaper reports prior to its unveiling, as well as the dedication booklet, it was referred to as “The Weaver”, and has retained the title.
Jessica Wilson