The Lighthouse
Alternative Title:
The Lighthouse
Description: Another imposing work of monumental architecture which Sciortino planned, but did not carry out, was that of the New York Lighthouse. There are no indications yet which point to its having had any specific commemorative intentions, although this might eventually borne out. The plaster scale model for this building is another complex architectural invention on a generally square plan, and which can be viewed from all four sides, with special emphases given to the front and back. While tending towards a more Futuristic approach in the overall simplicity of his design, it is equally clear that there is much that is nostalgically Classical in parts of the building. This is most apparent in the stepped approaches to the inner first level where a large draped figure with outstretched arms welcomes visitors at the front. Equally imposing are the four colossal mounted figures that dominate the back entrance, together with the dome that admits light through its many windows in the back. It is heartening to see how Sciortino fearlessly tackled his first perspective American commission intending to outdo the skyscrapers at their own game. His lanterned central tower discretely articulated in low relief and decorated with eagle relief carbons at its first three levels could have proudly held its own with the soaring towers of high fine arts and higher residence at a time when New Yorks skyscrapers where still half their present height.Unlike Sciortinos preparation for the Temple of the British Empire to the Unknown Soldier, which it resembles in several general characteristics, no drawings or plans for the New York Lighthouse are known to exist. No reference to them has been found in Sciortinos or other writings. While having been frustrated in his ambition to create the actual lighthouse, Sciortino had the consolation of having been commissioned to sculpt the bust of the competitions founder, Miss Winifred Holt, the American philanthropist. Thus, although Sciortino did not win the competition for the lighthouse, he had the consolation of being commissioned by the promoter of the project, to create her bust in marble, which he later claimed was actually in the lighthouse itself. (Source: Monuments and public sculpture: catalogue of the exhibition inaugurated at the National Museum of Fine Arts on the 19th December 2000 by H.E. Prof. Guido de Marco, President of Malta); Repository/Location: National Museum of Fine Arts (Valletta, Malta)
Creator:
Sciortino, Antonio [Create]
Date of creation: Romanticism [Create]; Early 20th century / [Create]
Type: Sculptures (visual works); Visual Works
Subject: Lighthouses
Identifier: FAS/S/180; local (default) 611 [Metadata]; - 5765-5766_Antonio Sciortino_The Lighthouse.tif [Resource]
Source: Heritage Malta [Metadata]
Provider: Athena
Providing country: Malta
