The Inspiring History of the Adelaide Johnson Portrait Monument to Lucretia Mott Elizabeth Cady

Have you ever heard of the Adelaide Johnson Portrait Monument? This magnificent sculpture, located in the United States Capitol, stands as a tribute to two remarkable women who dedicated their lives to the fight for women's rights - Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

The Adelaide Johnson Portrait Monument to Lucretia Mott Elizabeth Cady is not only a work of art but also a symbol of equality and courage. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating history behind this monument and the incredible journey of these influential women.

The Women Behind the Monument

Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton were prominent figures in the women's suffrage movement during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They worked tirelessly to secure women's rights, including the right to vote.

The Woman Suffrage Statue: A History of Adelaide Johnson's Portrait Monument to Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony at the United States Capitol

by Sandra Weber(Illustrated Edition, Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
Paperback	:	438 pages
Item Weight	:	1.34 pounds
Dimensions	:	6.14 x 0.99 x 9.21 inches
File size	:	12532 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	240 pages

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Mott, born in 1793, was a Quaker minister and abolitionist who strongly advocated for women's equality. She played a crucial role in organizing the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, which marked the beginning of the women's suffrage movement in the United States.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton was an equally remarkable woman. Born in 1815, she was a writer, lecturer, and social reformer. Stanton, along with Susan B. Anthony, played a pivotal role in drafting the groundbreaking Declaration of Sentiments, which demanded women's right to vote among other rights.

A Vision Realized: The Creation of the Monument

Adelaide Johnson, a talented sculptor and feminist, was commissioned to create a monument honoring these extraordinary women. Johnson tirelessly worked on the Portrait Monument for over ten years, facing numerous challenges along the way.

One of the main challenges was obtaining funding for the project. Despite facing financial constraints, Johnson persevered and received support from various women's organizations and individuals who shared her vision. With their assistance, the needed funds were eventually secured.

The sculpting process itself was no easy task. Johnson meticulously carved the monument out of white marble, ensuring every detail reflected the spirit and strength of the women it represented. The massive sculpture stands at 11 feet tall and weighs a staggering seven tons.

The Unveiling Ceremony and Controversy

On February 15, 1921, the Portrait Monument was unveiled in the United States Capitol's Rotunda. The ceremony was a monumental moment in the history of women's rights, with thousands of people, including many influential figures, in attendance.

However, controversy quickly followed the unveiling. Due to space limitations in the Rotunda, the monument was relegated to the basement, where it remained for over 75 years. This disrespectful placement sparked outrage among women's rights activists and supporters of the monument.

It was not until 1997 that the Portrait Monument was finally moved to its current location in the Capitol Rotunda, directly across from the statue of Abraham Lincoln. This relocation symbolized the women's suffrage movement's significance and gave the monument the recognition it deserved.

The Legacy and Impact

The Adelaide Johnson Portrait Monument stands as a lasting testament to the relentless efforts of Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and countless other women who fought for equal rights. It serves as a reminder of the progress made and the challenges that still lie ahead.

Today, the monument continues to inspire and educate visitors from around the world. It highlights the importance of women's contributions to society and serves as a symbol of empowerment for future generations.

The Adelaide Johnson Portrait Monument to Lucretia Mott Elizabeth Cady is not just a beautiful sculpture but a powerful representation of female strength, resilience, and the fight for equality. It stands as a testament to the incredible accomplishments of these visionary women and the ongoing struggle for women's rights.

So, the next time you visit the United States Capitol, be sure to take a moment to admire this extraordinary monument and reflect on the immense impact Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton had on shaping history.

The Woman Suffrage Statue: A History of Adelaide Johnson's Portrait Monument to Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony at the United States Capitol

by Sandra Weber(Illustrated Edition, Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
Paperback	:	438 pages
Item Weight	:	1.34 pounds
Dimensions	:	6.14 x 0.99 x 9.21 inches
File size	:	12532 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	240 pages

FREE

Relegated to the Crypt of the Capitol building for 76 years, the Portrait Monument has stood in the Rotunda since 1997. Often referred to as the Suffrage Statue, it memorializes pioneering feminists Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony and is the sole sculptural representation of women in the Rotunda. From its conception by sculptor Adelaide Johnson as three separate busts to its laborious execution and celebrated placement in the Rotunda, the seven-ton sculpture has provoked frustration, jubilation and hullabaloo. Drawing on diaries, letters, newspapers and historic photographs, this first-ever history of the monument explores the controversy, myths and artistry behind this neoclassical yet unconventional work of art.