Monday, March 24, 2008
Adam Smith statue nearing completion
The statue of Adam Smith that will soon grace Edinburgh's Royal Mile - and not before time - is taking shape:
The statue shows Smith in later life – he spent the last twelve years of his life in Edinburgh, where he had been appointed a Commissioner of Customs, which might explain his slightly stern look.
Behind him is a ploughshare, modelled from a contemporary plough in the Scottish Farming Museum, which reminds us of an economic doctrine from which Smith made great advances – the physiocrat doctrine that all wealth stemmed ultimately from agriculture. To his front is a beehive, a symbol of industry, topped by a globe on which Smith rests his hand - made invisible by his academic gown.
When viewed from the High Street, Smith's academic dress will dominate, reminding us of Smith the philosopher; and behind him we will see St. Giles's Cathedral, complementing the evocation of eternal ideas. Viewed from the other side, Smith's everyday wear dominates, reminding us of Smith the economist; and behind, the City Chambers (on the site of the office where Smith used to work) complements the evocation of the changing, current ideas of economics and politics.
Labels: Pearls 'midst the dross, Scotland
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Not very good, though, is it? Don't see why crap monumental art should get a free pass just because its subject isn't a hero of the left.
Irrespective of the relative values, or otherwise, of the statue, don't be surprised to see your final paragraph appesr in a future edition of Pseuds' Corner!
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