Historical Figures® News

Arizona Centenial Exhibition inTucson Features Father Kino

2011-12-21T12:03:00.000-08:00

Father Eusebio Kino.

Historical Figures to Illustrate Arizona History in Statehood Centennial Celebration at the
Mini Time Machine Museum
January 31 - April 14, 2012.

The Mini Time Machine is an elegant, new boutique Museum for historical miniatures. The staff had wanted to exhibit George Stuart’s Historical Figures, and the Arizona centennial became the perfect reason. With encouragement and support of HFF Director Pat Bergen, an exhibit of fourteen Figures is scheduled to open in Tucson on January 31 and run through April 14, 2012.

New Mini Time Machine Museum in Tucson

What do Historical Figures and Arizona have in common? Lots, it turns out. We all share common “roots” with many of the Movement West Figures, going back to Spain and later to Mexico. That is why the exhibit will include 14 Figures spanning 400 years from Queen Isabella, King Ferdinand and Christopher Columbus to the conquest and colonization of Mexico and the American Southwest. Other Figures: Pope Alexander VI, Moctezuma, , Hérnan Cortés, Malinche, Leopard Warrior, Jedediah Smith, Kit Carson, Abraham Lincoln, John Fremont & wife Jessie Fremont—each with their own contribution to the Arizona saga.

The popular Figure of the beloved Father Eusebio Kino will lead the entourage! As George Stuart says,"The Austrian Jesuit Father Eubesio Kino was dauntless in his travels through the barren deserts of the Sonora and Baja regions of Mexico. His maps and charts were in use up to the end of the 19th century, and his missions still stand today. It is believed that he introduced cattle ranching to the west."

Mr. Stuart will give a special monolog at the museum on January 29.

Historical Figures Foundation to Produce Renaissance Festival

2011-10-06T07:45:00.000-07:00

Carnevale Ventura to feature historical faire, costume balls, fashion shows and more!

Traditional and Current Venetian Costumes to mix in Ventura

George Stuart depicted Juan Borgia (left) of the infamous Borgia family in full carnevale regalia of the early 16th century. His playboy activities may have led to his murder, perhaps by one of his two brothers Cesare or Gioffre.

For a week inFebruary of 2013, Ventura will host a series of events celebrating the historic periodof the Italian Renaissance. These were the times of Michelangelo and de Vinci, vibrantcity states and families of the infamous Borgia, Medici and Sforza. Through thecenturies, pre-Lenten festivals featured revelers dressed in elaborate andelegant costumes replete with exotic masks.

Historical andentertaining activities are scheduled for Friday through Sunday, February 8 to10, 2013 in downtown beautiful Ventura. Events currently being planned include –

Traditional15^th Century Renaissance Faire in Mission Park
Doge’sMasked Ball and entertaining performances
Period CostumeFashion Shows
“How to” classes by professional costume and mask designers
Contestsfor traditional carnival costumes and masks
Renaissance Historical Figures® at Museum of Ventura County
GeorgeStuart performances about the Italian Renaissance
Renaissance dishes, drink and décor featured at many restaurants

The Carnevale Venturais a regional event, with invitations going to Period costuming enthusiasts andthe general public throughout California.

Exotic costumes from "Venice Carnevale 2010" presentation.

Revelersare strongly encouraged to elegantly dress and mask in traditional ItalianRenaissance attire or modern Venetian carnival-style finery. For more information, visit the Carnevale Ventura website.

Carnevale Ventura is a production of the Carnevale Ventura Commission, an activity of the Historical Figures Foundation.

Borgia Pope Alexander's Vestments & Regalia Gain Interest

2011-05-30T15:19:00.000-07:00

Introduction

There is a growing interest in everything Renaissance since the SHOWTIME Borgia Series began. Among the clothing styles of the time, only papal vestments and regalia seem to have survived nearly unchanged in design.

Actually each Pope was given or had made many new garments and accessories. Over the centuries, dozens of variations of each have been created each incorporating the holy and traditional symbols of the Church and the office. Perhaps the most widely known of papal recreations is each Pope's unique ring. Upon death, the ring is immediately and ritually destroyed.

George Stuart has created five Historical Figures® of Popes. Two of Pope Alexander VI are depicted in highly formal attire. Now Mr. Stuart has prepared the following commentary detailing the meaning and importance of the vestments and regalia.

The following information is excerpted from the new Borgia Series Wiki.

The regalia of the Pope on his coronation were to impress upon the communicants the manifestation of God’s splendor incarnatus in the person of his representative on earth. Although the earliest priests dressed simply, over time a grand elaboration evolved, especially at the highest levels of the clergy. Every aspect was symbolic. Over the centuries, popes commissioned many versions of vestments and regalia to be consistent with their views of simplicity or ornamentation. Many were destroyed or stolen during difficult times.

Reference Sources
The Historical Figure of Alexander VI was extrapolated from his images in Pinturicchio’s paintings in the Borgia apartment in the Vatican Palace, a portrait in the Uffizi Gallery, Florence and a bust of him from life in the Berlin Museum, and from other sources. As newly crowned Pope, he would show himself clothed very much as you see him here. These vestments would be changed often, as function and office required.

Papal Tiara
The Papal Tiara, triple crown tiara or triregnum was a primary symbol only of the Pope. Origins of the three crowns vary, but as the Trinity is held as the most significant aspect of the Roman Catholic faith, this could be its meaning. There are others.

The Orb and Cross
Atop the tiara, the orb and cross finial represents God’s rule over the world.

The Coif

Under the Tiara is a white, close fitting cap, or more properly a coif. This was a standard article of dress for men. The cap kept the head warm and was often tied under the chin. It held the hair in place when heavier headgear was employed. And, as priests were tonsured, having the apex of their head shaved so the remaining hair appeared to be a form of crown, it served as protection against the elements as well.

The Cope and Vestal Hood

On the Back of the cope is the vestal hood. The origin of the cope was a Roman semicircular robe with a hood attached. Early Christians used this garment and gradually church leaders adopted it for ceremony and enhanced its decoration. The hood, no longer of practical purpose, was retained as a reminder of the garments humble origins.

The Orphrey, Surpice and Stole

The decorative border of the cope or mantum is called the orphrey. In this case, it is a hagiography of the saints depicted with embroidery, jewels and embellishments. The cope is worn over a plain surpice, which has over it the stole, which is also encrusted with images and gold work.

The Cope or Mantum, and Morse

The cope and the more elaborate mantum used as elaborate clasp, called a morse to hold it together across the chest. It is often heavily ornamented with gold and gems.

The Papal Ring and Glove

During the Renaissance, it was fashionable to cut a slit in the third finger of the right glove to expose the Episcopal Ring. These rings symbolized a marriage to the Church and were given at consecration. Early papal rings were set with a precious stone. The name given at consecration was engraved on the mounting. It is traditional for communicants to kiss the pope’s ring in salute.

Hagiography

The images are of saints, are called hagiography and are painted on sheets of silk covered in gold leaf and set in gold bullion couching and large paste stones.

The Mitre and Pectoral Cross

Here Alexander VI (1494) is shown at a ceremony wearing a mitre. The origins of the mitre in its recognizable form go back to the 13th century. Again, it has become ceremonial headgear for high clergy, loosely representing the wearer’s fealty to Rome and a secular as well as spiritual authority.
The pectoral cross hangs below the embroidered morse. Crosses from the simplest to the most ornamental were always part of the clerical dress. Just above the morse is a ‘C’-shaped band. This is the top of the amice, a large, plain napkin with a stiffened collar, which is tied around the neck to prevent chaffing by the edge of the cope. This image is missing the stole, which was unfinished when the photography was taken.

The Mitre, Cope and Lapplets

The back of the cope worn by Alexander VI shows the vestigial hood embroidered with the papal crest. The lapplets going over the edge of the cope are now decorative remnants, but in earlier centuries were possibly ties to hold the mitre or tiara in place.

A Global Dispute
In 1493, a dispute between Spain and Portugal arose as to which kingdom owned what part of the Americas then being discovered. It fell to Pope to decide who owned what.

The Line in the Sand
The story is that the pope had a map of the known world laid out in sand on the floor at the Vatican, and with a specially designed silver sword he drew a line down the center, thus separating the new lands of the Spanish and the Portuguese. Later, in 1494 the division was refined and codified in the Treaty of Tordesillas and announced in a papal bull.

Ornate Cross or Crucifix
From time immemorial, bishops have carried a staff called a crozier, while popes always carried some form of a croix or crucifix. Alexander VI is shown with two styles of crosses. One shows the cross with equal, but very ornamental arms, all set with gold and stones - very popular in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Simple Cross, Uneven Arms

This cross is elegant and simple with three transoms or cross bars of different lengths.

The Historical Figures shown here are from collections of George Stuart and Museum of Ventura County. Photography by Peter D'Aprix. See all the Historical Figures at our website and visit the Museum of Ventura County to see the current exhibit of Historical Figures.

For information about events, museums, beaches, lodging and dining, visit the Ventura Gateway.

Borgia Family Now on Showtime

2011-05-24T15:08:00.000-07:00

George Stuart tells us he selects his Historical Figures(R) for their political power and how they wielded it for good and evil. The Borgia Pope Alexander VII and his family certainly meet Stuart's criteria and thus became important players in Stuart's Renaissance and Reformation and Movement West Groups.

It's Showtime!

The creators of the new SHOWTIME miniseries about the Borgia family seem to agree. Their release is a dark, but elegant production, steeped in murder, sex, religion and political intrigue.

While Columbus was discovering the Western World in 1492, the Spanish Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia bribed, cajoled and blackmailed his way to the papacy. His eleven year reign as Pope Alexander VI was rife with all the sins. Some are even calling the Borgias "the Original Crime Family!"

Fans of the series and the historical period have their own gathering place on the web at the Borgia Wiki.

George Stuart's Borgia Family

For fifty years, Stuart has spun tales about the intrigues of Pope Alexander VI and his illegitimate offspring Cesare, Juan (Giovanni) and Lucrezia. In that same time period, a dozen movies, some serious, featured the Borgias and their infamous times.

Stuart's Historical Figures of Borgia family shown below can be viewed in more detail in the Renaissance and Reformation Group on our website.

Rodrigo Borgia, Alexander VI

Stuart has actually created two Figures of Alexander VI. One shows Borgia in papal regalia in 1492 (above).

A second depicts the dramatic partitioning in 1494 of Spanish and Portuguese influence in the New World. Both of Stuart's Figures feature the exquisite detail of ecclesiastical garments later attempted by movie makers.

In the SHOWTIME Series, Pope Alexander is frequently shown in formal papal attire. A special page on the wiki describes papal vestments and regalia.

Lucrezia Borgia

Depending on the historian and historical references, Rodrigo's lovely daughter Lucrezia of ranges from an innocent to a murderer. The worst of stories claim she had incestuous relationships with her father and at least one brother. In the best versions, Lucrezia was an obedient pawn in the family's political strategies.

Cesare Borgia

Of the family members, Stuart's vision of Cesare departs more from the SHOWTIME production. While Showtime gives glimpses of warmth and cruelty, Stuart sees only the darker side. Everyone seems to agree that Cesare was never cut out for the clerical position imposed by his father, and later performed well in military conflicts.

Juan Borgia

When a sporting fellow like Juan was given military command of the papal armies, it was not long before incompetence surfaced. Soon he was mysteriously murdered, and many historians accuse brother Cesare of the foul deed. Stuart portrays Juan dressed for Venetian Carnevale, a favorite event and akin to New Orleans' Mardi Gras .

The Borgia Historical Figures on Exhibit

In January 2012, the Museum of Ventura in Ventura California will open a four-month display featuring the infamous family. The exhibit will also include Historical Figures of Stuart's elegant Renaissance and Reformation Group.

Monologs Feature the Borgias and Many More Historical Figures

During the exhibit, George Stuart will give three entertaining monthly Monologs on the Renaissance and Reformation Period in the Smith Pavilion. Contact the Museum of Ventura for reservations.

Visiting Ventura and the Historical Figures

For information about events, museums, beaches, lodging and dining, see the Ventura gateway.

Ben Franklin, America's Early Jet Setter

2011-04-07T22:05:00.000-07:00

We all have heard the tales and history about colonial America's Renaissance man. His prodigious works span most of contemporary commerce and science. Of equal importance were his political contributions over decades of service to his Pennsylvania Commonwealth and the fledgling United States of America. His assignments as representative and negotiator took him many times across the Atlantic Ocean to Europe.

Indeed, he was the diplomatic jet setter of his time. His "jets" were fast sailing ships called packet boats that carried mail, packages and a few passengers across the Atlantic in only 22 days. In route the ever curious Franklin studied the "Gulpf Stream" and printed printed a map of its currents to assist sailing ships to faster passages.

George Stuart created an Historical Figure of Franklin as a member of the Patriots and Founders Group and attendant monologs. However, it became clear that Franklin's whole story had to include his activities in Europe. In recognition to his international contributions, the Foundation has added images of his Figure to the English and French Groups on the website.

Franklin is the first to cross over to other groups, and many more Figures are following his lead. The part Queen Victoria and Prince Albert played in the Civil War has earned them places in the Lincoln Era story.

George Stuart has kindly volunteered to write brief descriptions of Figures in each new context. What follows are his takes of Franklin interacting with each country.

Printer, scientist, inventor, activist, and diplomat.

"Benjamin Franklin, son of a poor candle and soap maker, became an accomplished statesman, diplomat, writer, scientist and philosopher. He rallied French support for the nation and was key architect of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. He also helped to guide the Treaty of Paris, which ended the war between England and the new United States.
Ben Franklin's inventions, like the lightning rod and the aphorisms he penned for Poor Richard’s Almanac have become fixtures of American culture."

He thought he might make England his permanent home.

"Ben Franklin represented the Pennsylvania colonists before Parliament in London in 1757, and remained several years in England. He was back in 1764 and would protest the Stamp Tax on the colonies. He found that many in the English government thought the policies then being carried out would lead to disaster. Those concerned included the King's brother and the powerful Lord Chatham! Franklin had not fully realized the ground swell against the crown policy.

He would remain in England until 1775. When he found his efforts to change these policies were failing, he returned to America and was elected to the Continental Congress."

His love affair with France was mutual.

"In 1767 Franklin visited France and fell in love with the country. By the time Congress appointed him the U.S. Minister to France, in 1775, his reputation had made him famous. He was loved by everyone from the count at Versailles to the peasants who had heard of him.

His goal was to gain French recognition of the fledgling United States. Franklin used all the wiles at his command. An American defeat of the British in an important battle was the turning point and Franklin adjusted the facts so as to convince France to give her full support. In February 1778 France recognized the United States of America!" G. S. Stuart

For More in formation, see Franklin on Wikipedia. And stay tuned for more crossovers!

King George III gets a Young Queen Charlotte Sophia

2011-01-16T21:36:00.000-08:00

George III and bride Charlotte Sophia in 1760
Figures from Museum of Ventura County Collection

When George Stuart first created the fabulous Figure of George III in Robes of State, his intention was to create an equally handsome Figure of Queen Charlotte Sofia. Of the three Historical Figures® created of George III at different ages, only the 1780 version received a bride.

George III and Queen Charlotte Sophia in 1780
Figures from Museum of Ventura County Collection

For forty years, the Historical Figure of the young king in robes awaited his young queen. Now the couple of 1760, represented in their resplendent robes of state, debuted at the Museum of Ventura County along with many other Figures of English royalty.

Recently Mr. Stuart gave the last of three monologs about English royalty that began with Henry VII and ended with William IV.

Duchess of Kendal, Ehrengard Melusine
Baroness von der Schulenburg

When George I came to England in 1698, he brought an entourage including two very different ladies that would each play important roles in his new monarchy. The Duchess of Kendal, Ehrengard Melusine Baroness von der Schulenburg, became the king’s interpreter, as he spoke no English. Some said her gatekeeper position allowed her to gain wealth from those who would petition the king. She also bore him three illegitimate children.


Countess Darlington, Sophia Charlotte von Kielmanse Figures from Museum of Ventura County Collection Photography by Peter D'Aprix

The Countess of Darlington, Sophia Charlotte von Kielmansegg was the king’s half sister and confidant. Darlington was known for staging and managing the most elegant parties and events of the times.

Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island is Newest Historical Figure

2011-01-03T18:30:00.000-08:00

In 1835 a young Native American woman was stranded on San Nicolas Island 80 miles off the coast of Los Angeles after her tribe, the Nicoleños were evacuated by mission padres because Russian-led Aleutian fur trappers were decimating their population. Left marooned for 18 years, her dramatic story was played out in Scott O’Dell’s Newbery Medal-winning 1960 novel, Island of the Blue Dolphins and in a 1964 movie of the same name.

She was rescued in 1853, taken to Santa Barbara and named Juana Maria. Within a few weeks the Lone Woman of San Nicolas was dead of dysentery. Unfortunately her native Nicoleño language had become extinct, so a recounting of her life on the island was lost.

Steven Schwartz, Senior Archeologist at Pt. Mugu recently reviewed the known facts about the island and its lone inhabitant at a Museum of Ventura County lecture. Interestingly he gave some evidence that on two occasions the woman may have refused rescue by fur hunters who visited the island. Mr. Schwartz continues to study the remains of past inhabitants of San Nicolas Island.

In early 2010, the Museum of Ventura County commissioned Mr. Stuart to create an Historical Figure of this astonishing woman. The elaborate base illustrates the rich fauna and flora of the island. The dog is depicted as a typical breed found among coastal Indians.

Civil War Historical Figures at the William J. Clinton Presidential Center

2010-12-16T10:00:00.000-08:00

Following on the previous blog, we are pleased to describe The Civil War Era Historical Figures now on exhibit at the Clinton Library in Little Rock AR. The exhibit is timely in that 2011 will mark the 150th anniversary of the start of the great conflict. The exhibited is dominated by five Figures of Lincoln at different times of his life. Most of the Figures are on exhibit, but more can be seen on our Civil War Era page.

“This exhibit does a magnificent job of humanizing the people who have orchestrated and shaped our country,” said Terri Garner, director of the William J. Clinton Presidential Library. “The artifacts and documents that accompany these beautifully crafted figures help weave the stories together into one cohesive look at two major events. As we approach the 150th anniversary of the onset of the United States Civil War, what better time to reflect on the wars, words and figures that changed the course of United States history?”

As in the Revolutionary Period, Great Britain leaders were in a position to affect the outcome.

In 1861, Queen Victoria, and England in general, were very pro-Southern, in part as major importers of Southern cotton. When the Queen voiced her sympathies, Albert hushed her quickly. England did not need yet another major conflict. Victoria realized her gaffe and said no more. At the end of the year, Lincoln's navy boarded a British ship and captured two Confederate agents. A big outcry in England followed and Parliament called for war against the Lincoln government. Once more Albert induced a cooler approach and war with the United States was averted.

Lincoln liked ladies, even though he felt awkward with women in social settings. His supposed romance with Anne Rutledge, (not shown) during his New Salem years, became more legend than fact. Certainly she meant a great deal to him. Later, Mary Owens of Springfield rejected Lincoln’s halfhearted proposal. In 1839, he met and married Mary Todd of Lexington, Kentucky (above), after an on and off courtship. Their love for one another is well established, in spite of a marriage fraught with emotional upheavals. Mary was at the center of much of it.

Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas were both graduates of the Illinois Legislature. But Douglas went on to the U.S. Senate while Lincoln stayed a legislator. During a second election the two debated the main issue of the day - slavery. Lincoln lost, but was soon elected to Congress as a Whig. Northern Democrat Douglas attempted many failed compromises on slavery with Southern Democrats, and it all came to ruin in the War Between the States. The two foes were reconciled in 1861, when Lincoln was elected president. During the inauguration ceremony, Douglas held Lincoln's hat.

The Lincolns’ enthusiasm over his being elected President was short lived. After an awkward inauguration and saddled with a derelict White House, Mrs. Lincoln dedicated herself to making it the first home of the nation. Resulting expenses plagued the new administration. The war put a damper on the rest of their time in Washington. The death of Willie, their youngest son, was a nightmare for both of them. Mary never recovered. Regardless, when she was in charge and entertaining as First Lady, she was the personification of grace, charm and generosity. She could be the perfect hostess when things went her way.

Lincoln never recognized the existence of a 'State Of The Confederacy' and had only briefly met Jefferson Davis (R) 30 years earlier. Nevertheless, Lincoln attempted to treat the South with respect while firmly determined to preserve the Union. Long before 1861, Davis had a distinguished career in the U. S. military and government. Neither of the great leaders wasted energy exchanging charges and slanders. The leading generals who had all served under one flag just a few years before were just as respectful. Nevertheless, Grant and Lee were dogged and ruthless military campaigners. Both remain heroes of the War.

By early April 1865, the war was over and Lincoln's biggest task was to convince the Radicals in Congress to pass an Act of Reconstruction which would have brought the states together once more and would have been his greatest achievement. John Wilkes Booth had long harbored bitter resentment of the Federal Government and its leaders. Booth's partially successful plan to murder Lincoln and his cabinet eventually plunged the nation into a bitter racial conflict. We continue to deal with what has been the United States' greatest tragedy.

Please see the previous post for a description of the Revolutionary War Figures on display.

Clinton Presidential Library Hosts Historical Figures Exhibit

2010-12-12T16:58:00.000-08:00

A selection of George Stuart’s American Historical Figures, as well as two original engravings of the Constitution are now showcased in the six-month exhibit “Revolution and Rebellion: Wars, Words and Figures” at the prestigious William J. Clinton Presidential Center Library in Little Rock, AR. In all, the display features thirty-five Figures from the Revolutionary and Civil War collections.

Image via WikipediaA Message from the Exhibition Host

“The Clinton Library is very pleased to host some of the Historical Figures of George Stuart that represent important characters of the American Revolution, the American Civil War and several of their European counterparts. The Clinton Library is one of 13 Presidential Libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration. Learn more visit the Clinton Library.”

The American Revolutionary War Figures

This blog features the exhibited Figures of the Revolutionary War period. A future blog will feature exhibited Figures from the Civil War Era.

King George III was a dedicated, hardworking monarch. He took his role seriously, but was plagued by his wrong-headed policies. He was never a monster or a villain. Charlotte his queen birthed 16 children, among them the future George IV. It was from the armies of her family in Hesse, Germany that George obtained the mercenaries to support his very unpopular war in the colonies. In later years, he may have suffered from bouts of porphyria, a disease that earned him the epithet “Mad King George.”

Early political connections between colonies began with Sam Adams' Committees of Correspondence. Their correspondence fired agitation throughout most of the colonies, which led to forming a Continental Congress in 1774 for the purpose of confronting royal policies. The clash was carried forward by such radicals as Patrick Henry (R) in the Virginia colony and the movement was given focus by Thomas Paine (L) with his pamphlet Common Sense, containing its message of 'independence not reconciliation.'

George Washington gained support from several prominent foreigners in his desperate resistance to the Royal armies. The most colorful was the Marquis de Lafayette, whose main contribution was his work to obtain recognition of the young United States by the King of France in 1778. Washington and Lafayette became like father and son. Washington was also blessed with having a loving wife in Martha. Her patient support would go far in comforting him throughout the eight miserable years of the conflict.

Washington considered Benedict Arnold the ablest of his field generals. Arnold's historic defection was caused by his perception that Washington failed to support Arnold in battling corruption charges. His young society bride, Peggy Shippen had British Army ties and encouraged the defection.

Franklin’s endeavors to form a more perfect government made him the choice for the Republic’s first president, but for his great age and ill health. Like Franklin, Thomas Jefferson's constant public service and concepts of democracy, including his insistence on a Bill of Rights, was ahead of revolutionary contemporaries.

Adams was one of the most distinguished families in early United States history. Both John (R) and son served as presidents, but their early lives were spent in constant public service. Massachusetts has provided a vast number of outstanding citizens over the centuries, but few could eclipse the contribution of the Adams'. Mrs. Adams was not only a remarkably independent businesswoman, she also promoted women's rights. John Quincy Adams (L) gave most of his energy and political capital to anti-slavery efforts, two generations before the Civil War.

President Washington ended his second term as president by admonishing Americans not to let commerce and the military gain an undue influence in government. Then he and Martha dashed for Mount Vernon. They were so grateful to be 'home' at last! Love of his farm and his dreams of western settlement engrossed him to the end.

Dolley Paine Todd, a young widow with a son married James Madison, a middle aged bachelor. She was big and bucksome; he, short and thin. Dolley's talents as hostess were honed entertaining for President Jefferson and later as First Lady to her husband. During the War of 1812 her presence of mind saved some of the nation's most valuable treasures.

Jefferson is credited with seizing the opportunity to acquire the Louisiana territory. However, many maneuvers and much statecraft came into play before the deed was done. America's vital need for open access to the Mississippi River, which was controlled by Franco-Spanish governments, needed resolution. By good fortune, Napoleon wanted to unload the area, hoping the British would try to take it from the Americans. James Monroe loved the French and facilitated the purchase, whereby the nation was doubled in size for only $15 million, about 35 cents per acre!

Coming soon: The Civil War Figures

Celebrating an early African-American entrepreneur

2009-04-27T10:30:00.000-07:00

"For years I have wanted to do something to honor the history of black Americans," Mr. Stuart observes, "My intensions were impeded during my early years by booking agents who strongly suggested I stick to history with which my invariably all-white audiences would identify. Nowadays, Americans generally have a more sophisticated view."

"The Museum of Ventura County docent Patricia Trude has spoken with me on several occasions regarding my doing something in the area of black history. Mr.s Trude suggested that I look into the story of C. J. Walker (1867-1919)."
Image via Wikipedia
Indeed, Mme. Walker's history proved fascinating. Although little known today, C. J. Walker is an outstanding example of the American mythology - if you work hard and never give up, you will achieve success.

Mme. Walker went from house servant to becoming the first black woman millionaire and a major figure in the black American affairs. All of her successes came before the civil rights movement or the enfranchisement of women. Her story illustrates the remarkable quality of this segment of our population.

From Wikipedia:

She was born Sarah Breedlove in Delta, Louisiana, the first member of her family to be born free. Her parents had been slaves. At age 14, she married a man named Moses McWilliams and was widowed at age 20. She then moved to St. Louis, Missouri to join her brothers. Sarah worked as a laundress for as little as a dollar and a half a day, but she was able to save enough to educate her daughter. While living in St. Louis, she joined St. Paul's African Methodist Episcopal Church, which helped develop her speaking, interpersonal and organizational skills. She was married in 1894 to John Davis and divorced about nine years later.

When she began to lose her hair, she had the idea for a line of hair care products. Like that of most other Americans in the early 1900s, Walker's home lacked indoor plumbing, electricity and central heating. Like many women of that era, she washed her hair only once a month. As a result, she suffered from severe dandruff and scalp disease that nearly caused her to go bald.

In 1905, Davis moved to Denver, Colorado, where she worked as a sales agent for Annie Malone, another black woman entrepreneur who manufactured hair care products. Sarah also consulted with a Denver pharmacist, who analyzed Malone's formula and helped Walker formulate her own products. In addition, she often told reporters that the ingredients for her "Wonderful Hair Grower" had come to her in a dream.

In 1906 she married Charles Joseph Walker, a St. Louis newspaperman, and changed her name to "Madam C.J. Walker". She founded the Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company to sell hair care products and cosmetics. Madam Walker divorced Walker in 1910 and moved her growing manufacturing operations from St. Louis to a new industrial complex in Indianapolis. By 1917 she had the largest business in the United States owned by a black person.

“

I am a woman who came from the cotton fields of the South. From there I was promoted to the washtub. From there I was promoted to the cook kitchen. And from there I promoted myself into the business of manufacturing hair goods and preparations...I have built my own factory on my own ground.^[2]

”

“

There is no royal, flower-strewn path to success. And if there is, I have not found it for if I have accomplished anything in life, it is because I have been willing to work hard.^[2]

”

A Mme. Pompadour figure returns to France

2009-04-14T14:05:00.000-07:00

While attending the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1950, George Stuart was befriended by Patricia Mayfield Barton who soon became the first person to be seriously attracted to Stuart's budding art form, the Historical Figure®. Over the next few years, Barton actively promoted Stuart's work, placing exhibits in museums and even early TV shows. In response, Stuart created a stunning figure of Madame Pompadour as a gift in 1960 (seen here).

Barton and her American husband later emigrated to Gourdon, France taking the famous French courtesan with them. Barton, an artist in her own right, was honored there with more than ten solo shows as well as two UNICEF cards. Barton died in 2005, but bequeathed the Pompadour figure to a friend who cherishes the figure now in her care.

Stuart collaborates with LU Zhengliang Arts Studio for Chinese figure embroidery

2009-04-14T13:31:00.000-07:00

In 1850, Hung Hsiu Ch'uan led the ten-year Taiping Rebellion. He embraced Christianity and believed he was God's second son. He preached communal land ownership as well as equality between men and women. His ill-fated revolt, however, cost 20 million Chinese peasants their lives.

After a ten year hiatus from creating figures from Chinese history, artist George Stuart once again began to search for finely embroidered silk to dress his latest figure from China's distant past. Searching the internet, he located LU Zhengliang Arts Studio in the Suzhou region of China. The figure of Hung Hsiu Ch'uan was to be the first of many collaborations with the Chinese fabric designer.

Stuart sketched the designs he envisioned for his new figure and Lu, studio owner and master artist, authenticated the sketches at a major national historical museum in Nanking.

"Every stitch in ancient robes had religious and cultural meaning and purpose," Stuart points out, "The challenge to Mr. Lu and his artists was maintain clarity at one-fourth life size."

Lu and his team used special needles and thread to reproduce the designs on the imperial gold silk Stuart had selected for Hung's robe and jacket.

An historical overview of Chinese embroidery can be seen at Lu's website:

http://www.artsuzhou.com

Artist shares techniques for restoration of early figures

2009-04-14T11:45:00.000-07:00

Unlike sculptures in stone or metal, Historical Figures® are delicate and require periodic care. In addition to maintaining the figures in the artist's gallery and those exhibited at the Ventura County Museum, Stuart restored 32 figures once owned by Monsanto Chemical. The figures, now known as the Monsanto-Hernandez Collection, required repair and repainting after many years in storage.

Many jewelry pieces had to be replated or replaced and frayed or faded clothing was replaced with new hand-made fashions.

Stuart was assisted in this work by Kathy Henri, the collections manager at the Ventura County Museum. In the photo above, Henri and Stuart touch up a figure of Prince Potemkin, part of the Russian collection, for an exhibit at the Ventura County Museum.

Master Portraitist Continues Digital Imaging Archive Project

2009-04-14T11:25:00.000-07:00

Flattening George Stuart's 3D figures into digital images is a challenge that Peter D'Aprix has met for nearly all of the Historical Figures® collection.

"Like the individuals they represent, each figure has a unique personality. The job is to capture what Mr. Stuart intended the audience to see - the stance, the expression, the dress," says D'Aprix.

In March 2009, D'Aprix completed digital portraits of the Russian group, the latest group to be added to the gallery website.

For more information about Peter D'Aprix and his work, please visit his website:

http://www.peterdaprix.com

New Jewelry for Three Queens and a First Lady

2009-04-14T11:09:00.000-07:00

In a project jointly funded by the Historical Figures Guild (now Foundation) and the Smith Gallery Endowment, figures of three queens and a first lady received stunning new jewelry. Empress Alexandra Fedorovna, wife of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, received a new tiara. Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of President Abraham Lincoln, received a new necklace and broach set. Empress Catherine II of Russia received a new crown and Queen Victoria of England received a new necklace.

Figure sculptor George Stuart worked with local and international jewelers to produce the delicate items.

George Stuart's Earliest Miniatures Part of Smithsonian Collection

2009-04-14T10:58:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Patent Office once required inventors to submit working models with each patent application. Several models, including this 1838 gas engine, were transferred to the Smithsonian Institution. While on staff at the Smithsonian in the 1950s, George Stuart created seven maquettes representing portraits of the inventors with their inventions to indicate scale of their machinery models. A few years later he launched a career of modeling Historical Figures®.

Welcome to the Gallery of Historical Figures Online News!

2005-07-22T09:17:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the online journal detailing the activities of George S. Stuart, creator of the George S. Stuart collection of Historical Figures. The collection includes over 400 quarter life size figures of famous men and women in history. Mr. Stuart has nurtured a life-long love of history and art, building a scale model of the palace of Versailles when only a child. He began his formal studies of history and foreign relations at Georgetown and Washington Universities, eventually obtaining a Fine Arts Degree from the University of California. He has been a member of the staff of the Smithsonian Institution where he was responsible for the President's Wives exhibit.

Mr. Stuart taught himself to sculpt, work with metal, leather and cloth. After a decade of experimentation following his first Figure in 1953, he turned this activity into a full-time occupation. Mr. Stuart creates each of the figures along with its precisely detailed clothing, jewelry, shoes, weapons, and furnishings. Some of the Figures are housed at the Smithsonian Institution. The largest collection are displayed at a permanent gallery at the Ventura County Museum of History & Art which has a rotating exhibit of 190 of these Figures.

Today, he makes his home and operates his gallery in the Ojai Valley, situated in the northwest corner of California's Ventura County not far from Santa Barbara. He is Curator Emeritus of the Collection and serves as guest lecturer at the Ventura County Historical Museum.

Image copyright ©1985-2005 by Peter d'Aprix.