Mount Rushmore National Monument

Introduction 

The role that the artistic community has played in shaping the history of the United States and the wider global community cannot be overstated. For years, the members of this community have created striking pieces of art that have stunned and stimulated audiences (Silver, 2010, p.1). These pieces have shed light on different themes that are as enlightening as they are intriguing. The Mount Rushmore National Monument is among the various works of art that develop themes and have allowed the United States to celebrate its heritage. This monument is essentially a sculpture that dominates the face of Mount Rushmore. It is a tribute to the contribution that various presidents have made to the development of the United States. The presidents whose faces appear on the monument include George Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln (Kenney, 2011, p. 4). These presidents are consistently ranked as among the best leaders that have served the United States. Credit for the creation of the monument is given to Gutzon Borglum who collaborated with his son Lincoln Borglum to create this iconic structure that continues to shape the artistic community. The monument is also one of the most visited tourist attractions in the United States. Apart from being a work of art, the monument is also a representation of American culture and history. Various artistic trends have resulted from this monument and this highlights the power of art to transform traditions and cultures. In order to understand the art in question, a description of it is recommended. Further, exploration of the creator's career will help identify the techniques used in creation of the sculpture. Lastly, a focus of the effect of the monument on art movements as well as on artists will help understand the various techniques that modern artists use in their respective creations.

Description of the monument 

It has already been mentioned that the Mount Rushmore National Monument is a sculpture that whose key feature are the faces of four of American presidents. The sculpture is about 60 feet high (Koehler, 2013, p.20). The height of the sculpture makes it fairly easy to recognize. The fact that the sculpture sits on the face of a high mountain makes it even easier to recognize. The memorial park on which the mountain and the monument sit has an elevation of 1745 meters. As already mentioned, the sculpture dominates the face of Mount Rushmore and this is due to its massive height and the fact that it depicts some of the most iconic figures in the United States. The monument was created by sculpting and blasting the granite that is the predominant rock on Mount Rushmore (Koehler, 2013, p. 13). Granite is commonly used for sculpting because of its durability. The monument is located in South Dakota. On the extreme left of the monument, there is the face of George Washington. Next to Washington’s face is that of Thomas Jefferson. The faces of Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln follow. Borglum sought to highlight the long and intriguing history of the United States through this monument. He needed to remind the American public that the four presidents were responsible for the years of progress that the nation had witnessed. The monument functions as a representation of the first 150 years following the establishment of the United States of America.

In the discussion above, the general features of the monument have been provided. For a deeper and more intimate interaction with the monument to be had, it is important to explore some of the minute and intricate details of the monument. One of the standout details is the close resemblance of the faces to the actual presidents. The faces are actual and accurate depictions of the presidents. It is true that most artists are gifted and are able to create striking and elegant pieces. However, one cannot help but appreciate the true artistic talent and gifting that is displayed through the monument. The dimensions and such details as the sizes and the shapes of the noses of the president have been executed perfectly. This serves as testament to the genius and talent possessed by Gutzon and Lincoln Borglum. The other element of the monument that allows it to stand out is the transition from the surface of the surrounding rock to the texture of the faces. For the most part, the surrounding rock is rugged and rough. This changes as one moves to the actual monument. The monument is relatively smoother. The third feature that characterizes the monument is its relatively lighter color. The surrounding rock is much darker than the monument. The difference in color can be attributed to the sculpting. As the sculpting occurred, the darker surface was chipped away and this allowed for the underlying lighter surface to be exposed. It is worth noting that the four presidents are looking into different directions. It is possible that this is purely coincidental. It is also likely that it is deliberate and purposeful. Assuming that it is deliberate, it can be argued that the creators sought to highlight the different perspectives of American history and politics. Overall, the construction of the monument relied on standard sculpting procedures and techniques. This is not to say that the monument is standard in any way. Far from it, this monument stands apart from other similar pieces of art. It is not merely a collection of faces. Instead, it functions as a representation of the American spirit and culture. The image below shows the Mount Rushmore National Monument:

Visual elements tend to be more striking and memorable. Gutzon must have understood this since the faces of the four presidents are the primary feature of the monument. However, the faces are not the only feature. In addition to the faces, there is a capstone that bears text. The text reads “let us place there, carved high, as close to heaven as we can, the words of our leaders, their faces, to show posterity what manner of men they were. Then breathe a prayer that these records will endure until the wind and the rain alone shall wear them away” (Malkowski, 2010, p. 201). These words are attributed to Gutzon Borglum. The words capture the essence and purpose of the monument. It has already been mentioned that the monument was intended to be a tribute to the American presidents. This intention is clearly articulated in Gutzon’s words. The words make it clear to the American community and the entire planet that the United States acknowledges the contributions that its leaders made.

When choosing a location for their works, it is wise for artists to select locations that broaden the meaning and appeal of their work. The location should be such that it allows audiences to better appreciate the work. It appears that the selection of the Black Hills in South Dakota to host the monument seems rather incidental. This location does little to offer the monument any additional meaning. Doane Robinson receives credit for conceiving the idea of carving the face of the mountain. The purpose of this carving was to boost tourism in the state (“The Making of Mount”, 2011). Robinson hoped that the carving would attract tourists and promote the state’s economy. When one considers this fact, it becomes evident that the location of monument does not provide extra perspectives. This location was selected primarily because of the composition of the mountain. The granite that is the major constituent of the mountain would make it easy and possible to establish a huge sculpture that would live on for years.

Gutzon and Lincoln Borglum 

Gutzon and his son Lincoln Borglum are the brains behind the Mount Rushmore National Monument. Gutzon originally conceived the idea of representing the four presidents through the sculpture (Murray, 2010, p. 8). He died before the monument could be completed. It appears that his son shared his vision of celebrating America’s greatest leaders. Upon his death, Lincoln took over to ensure that the project was not compromised. Given the massive scale and significance of the monument, it is fair to conclude that the monument tremendously shaped the lives of Gutzon Borglum and his son. In the following discussion, an examination of the careers of these two artists and some of their other works is offered. This examination is intended to highlight the impact of the monument and the influences that shaped how Gutzon and Lincoln went about creating the monument.

Gutzon Borglum 

An examination of the life and career of Gutzon indicates that his interest in sculptures and portraits has a long history. While still a young and unknown artist, he was commissioned to create a number of works. One of the works that earned him fame and recognition was the portrait of General John Fremont (Marter, 2011, p. 314). In addition to bringing him recognition, this portrait served as an important stepping stone that set the stage for his later career. Borglum did not rely solely on raw talent for inspiration and technique. The formal education that he received also played an important role in shaping his works. The Ecole des Beaux-Arts and Julien Academy are the main schools that he attended (National Park Service b, n.d). Apart from providing him with insight, these schools also allowed him to gain exposure and connections. For instance, he held exhibitions where he showcased his work. While the French schools are the major force that shaped his style, his travels in such other countries as Spain may also have helped to shape his technique and perspectives. England is another country that Gutzon visited (National Park Service b, n.d). While here, he received numerous opportunities to display his works.

Upon returning to the United States, Gutzon’s streak of success continued. He was contracted to create more works that earned him even greater recognition and respect. For example, he created the Mares of Diamedes which was displayed at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art (National Park Service b, n.d). A bronze equestrian of General Phil Sheridan is another significant piece of work that Gutzon is credited with creating. This piece was presented to the public by President Roosevelt. The involvement of the president underscores the importance and the elegance of the equestrian. This equestrian is shown below:

The equestrian discussed above is not the only important piece of art that Gutzon created. In addition to this, he also created the iconic Seated Lincoln and the Picket’s Charge Memorial (National Park Service b, n.d). When one examines the nature of the works that Gutzon created, one common theme becomes clear. It appears that Gutzon was deeply interested in American history. Elements from the history of the United States are the main subjects in most of his works. It is therefore not surprising that he led the Mount Rushmore project. This project adds to his portfolio of political and historical subjects.

From the discussion this far, insights regarding the forces that influenced Gutzon can be gained. The education that he received in the schools that he attended in Paris is undoubtedly one of the factors that influenced his work. Formal education is among the forces that influence the creations of most artists. The education allows them to adopt different techniques and to understand the methods that appeal best to audiences. The connections that Gutzon developed along his career are yet another factor that must have influenced his style and perspectives. The numerous works that Gutzon created allowed him to brush shoulders with influential individuals. The connections that he gained allowed him to receive commissions and provided him with an influential audience. For example, it is understood that Jesse Benton Fremont served as a key source of inspiration (National Park Service b, n.d). He encouraged Gutzon while he was still young to stay committed to his desires and aspirations.

The Mount Rushmore National Monument can be regarded as Gutzon’s flagship project. To understand how this project was conceived, it is important to consider some of the key events that occurred in the years leading up to the conception of the project. Gutzon developed a new style that was characterized by using marble to capture expressions and emotions (National Park Service b, n.d). Through this new style, he was able to create pieces that stunned and intrigued clients and audiences. For example, he created a bust of Abraham Lincoln. This piece was so well received that it now sits in the Capital Building. Gutzon moved from sculpting marble to working on mountains. He was commissioned to create a sculpture of Robert Lee on Stone Mountain (National Park Service b, n.d). While he did not fulfill this commission citing the unsuitability of Stone Mountain for the sculpture, this moment marked the beginning of his interest in sculptures on mountains. He committed all his effort to the Mount Rushmore National Monument. There is no question about the role that the previous works played in directing the hand and vision of Gutzon Lincoln. He gradually progressed from creating small-scale sculptures to handling massive projects such as the Mount Rushmore monument.

Lincoln Borglum 

It has already been mentioned that Lincoln Borglum took over the Mount Rushmore project following the death of his father. Lincoln received inspiration and guidance mostly from his father while working on the Mount Rushmore project. While only 12 years old, he joined his father during the initial phases of the project (National Park Service c, n.d). At this time, his father was examining the Black Hills to determine if its structure and composition allowed for carving to be carried out. He was with his father when they identified Mount Rushmore as a suitable location for the sculpture of the four presidents. The exposure that Lincoln gained at a young age undoubtedly prepared him for the challenges and rewards of working on the Mount Rushmore project. He must have shared in his father’s vision of honoring four of the most patriotic leaders that the United States has had the privilege of being served by.

The Mount Rushmore project must have been a nightmare for the many men who worked for long hours to ensure that it was completed. This project was carried out at a time when carving mountains was a technique that was still in its infancy. Lincoln was among the men who braved the dangers that the project posed. He began as an unpaid worker (National Park Service c, n.d). He served in various positions for years without receiving any pay. The position of pointer is one of those that he occupied. He slowly worked his way up and in 1934, he began receiving an hourly wage for his work. In 1935, he received a promotion to the position of chief pointer. In 1938, he received another position (National Park Service c, n.d). This time, he was appointed to serve as the superintendent and he was placed in charge of much of the project. It is important to consider Lincoln’s history. One of the key insights that can be gained from his history is that he was resilient and had a strong work ethic. He did not look to his father for favors. Instead, he worked had like all the other employees and he did not receive any pay during his first few years. The work ethic, patience and resilience that Lincoln displayed must have offered him the drive and persistence that he needed when he took over after the death of his father.

Originally, the Mount Rushmore monument was intended to feature more than just the faces of the four presidents. The presidents were supposed to be depicted from their waists up. However, this original idea was abandoned as a result of inadequate funding. At the time of Gutzon’s death, the project was nearly complete. This is not to say that the task that Lincoln was charged with would be easy. He faced numerous challenges that threatened the project. Despite these challenges, Lincoln continued to serve as the superintendent and oversaw the project to its completion (National Park Service c, n.d). Lincoln firmly believed in his father’s vision as evidenced by the timely and successful completion of the Mount Rushmore project.

The completion of the Mount Rushmore project did not mark the end of Lincoln’s career. He went on to work on other projects. For example, he was commissioned by churches in the state of Texas to create various works. The Our Lady of Loreto is among the pieces that Lincoln worked on (National Park Service, n.d). This piece is shown below:

The statue above highlights the fascination that Lincoln and his father had for sculptures of various figures. It is evident that sculpting was their preferred technique. One of the issues that are clear from the discussion so far is that Lincoln wished to honor his father. Apart from seeing the Mount Rushmore project to its end, he also honored his father by creating a bust.

Impacts on art movements and artists 

Art is dynamic and volatile. It is subject to change and there are various forces that determine the direction that it takes. Individual artists are also able to take art in a new direction by developing new styles and establishing movements and fresh techniques. The Mount Rushmore National Monument has had profound impacts on the artistic community. One of these impacts is that it gave rise to a new style. Gutzon was among the pioneers of carving on the faces of mountains. After the Mount Rushmore monument, numerous other carvings on mountains have been attempted. For example, the Crazy Shot Memorial in Thunderhead Mountain drew its inspiration from the Mount Rushmore monument (Bergman, 2016, p. 226). The Crazy Shot Memorial was designed to celebrate the culture and history of Native American communities. The establishment of this memorial was prompted by the refusal by Gutzon to include a figure from the Native American community as among those whose faces were to be displayed on Mount Rushmore. It is true that the Crazy Shot Memorial was intended to be an expression of protest and anger. However, it must be recognized that the Mount Rushmore monument set the stage for the design and subsequent establishment of the Crazy Shot Memorial.

The artistic community represents various artists who are engaged in different forms of art. Creators of films and television shows are among the members of this community. They have been influenced to a significant extent by Mount Rushmore. The mountain has been a key feature in various films, books and movies. For example, the monument features in such films as Superman II and National Treasure (Hunter, 2013, p. 104). The fact that the influences of the monument go beyond sculpting points to the power of this monument. It is able to gain relevance and respect in different artistic spaces. This is clear indication that the monument was designed to permeate all sections of American culture. The monument is still relevant and is referred to in America’s popular culture.

It is true that the Mount Rushmore National Monument sent shockwaves across the entire artistic community. However, Gutzon was the one artist who was most affected by the monument. One of the key effects of the monument on Gutzon is that it propelled him to fame (. While it is the case that Gutzon already had a large and recognizable profile before designing the monument, the monument allowed him to gain even greater recognition. Today, he is recognized as the artist who defied a myriad of challenges and ensured that the monument was completed successfully (National Park Service b, n.d). Some of the challenges that Gutzon faced are inadequate funding and unskilled workers. The monument was built at a time when the United States was grappling with the Great Depression. Feeding the American people was the primary focus of the government. This meant that the government set aside very little funding for the monument. Furthermore, the workers that Gutzon hired lacked the skills that were needed. The challenges that he faced were further compounded by the fact that working on the monument presented various perils that threatened the safety and the lives of the workers. Despite these challenges, Gutzon fixed his eyes on his dream of paying tribute to American heroes.

In the discussion above, it has been noted that the Mount Rushmore National Monument placed Gutzon in the limelight. In addition to bringing him recognition, this piece of art also shed light on previously unknown works by Gutzon. For example, the First Landing Party of the Founders of Newark has gained attention and recognition because of the high profile of Gutzon. This piece is on display in New Jersey and it has enabled audiences to appreciate the genius and commitment demonstrated by Gutzon. An argument can be made that had Gutzon not worked on the Mount Rushmore monument, none of his other works would have gained recognition. Therefore, the Mount Rushmore National Monument brought Gutzon’s lesser-known works into the spotlight.

Conclusion 

The Mount Rushmore National Monument captures the essence of the American spirit. It reflects the history of the Nation and serves as a tribute to some of the country’s leaders. This monument derives its iconic status from its stature and representation of the identity of the American nation and its people. Credit for the design and building of the monument goes to Gutzon Borglum. He envisioned a massive monument that would leave on for years and would only be worn down by the elements. He wished to honor America’s presidents and to shed light on the ideals that define the American people. Although he died before the completion of the monument, he oversaw the carving of a significant portion of the monument. He passed on the mantle to his son, Lincoln Borglum, who oversaw the monument until it was completed. The monument is more than a mere representation of America’s presidents and rich heritage. It has also redefined the artistic community. A new art movement has taken root thanks to the monument. Popular culture has also been influenced by the monument. Overall, the monument has influenced virtually all aspects of American life. If Gutzon and Lincoln were alive today, they would undoubtedly be glad that their creation continues to influence perspectives.

References

Bergman, T. (2016). Exhibiting Patriotism: Creating and Contesting Interpretations of American Historic Sites. London: Routledge.

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Kenney, K. L. (2011). Mount Rushmore. Minneapolis, MN: ABDO Publishing.

Malkowski, E. F. (2010). Ancient Egypt 39,000 BCE: The History, Technology, and Philosophy Of Civilization X. Inner Traditions / Bear & Co.

Marter, J. M. (Ed.). (2011). The Grove Encyclopedia of American Art . Volume 1. Oxford:Oxford University Press.

Murray, J. (2010). Mount Rushmore. Minneapolis, MN: ABDO Publishing.

National Park Service b. (n.d). Sculptor Gutzon Borglum. Retrieved 21 st April 2017 from https://www.nps.gov/moru/learn/historyculture/gutzon-borglum.htm 

National Park Service c. (n.d). Lincoln Borglum. Retrieved 21 st April 2017 from https://www.nps.gov/moru/learn/historyculture/lincoln-borglum.htm 

Silver, D. (2010). Art and Culture. Indianapolis, IN: Dog Ear Publishing.