Central Park, Statue of the Indian Hunter

Central Park, Statue of the Indian Hunter

Anonymous, American, 19th century

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

In 1869, a committee of public spirited New Yorkers raised funds for a monumental new bronze cast of Ward's famous sculpture, then presented the work to the commmissioners of Central Park. This lithograph appeared in the city's annual report, and shows the sculpture on its pedestal admired by strolling families. The contributors noted that, "both in Europe and America [Ward's work]...justly ranks as among the best examples of the plastic art for its bold and vigorous treatment, and its truthful delineation....truly American in subject...admirably executed by one of our native and most celebrated sculptors. We trust it may find a fitting place in the great Park which is so much admired and appreciated, not only by our own citizens, but by all who visit the great metropolis."

Drawings and Prints

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Central Park, Statue of the Indian HunterCentral Park, Statue of the Indian HunterCentral Park, Statue of the Indian HunterCentral Park, Statue of the Indian HunterCentral Park, Statue of the Indian Hunter

The Department’s vast collection of works on paper comprises approximately 21,000 drawings, 1.2 million prints, and 12,000 illustrated books created in Europe and the Americas from about 1400 to the present day. Since its foundation in 1916, the Department has been committed to collecting a wide range of works on paper, which includes both pieces that are incredibly rare and lauded for their aesthetic appeal, as well as material that is more popular, functional, and ephemeral. The broad scope of the department’s collecting encourages questions of connoisseurship as well as those pertaining to function and context, and demonstrates the vital role that prints, drawings, and illustrated books have played throughout history.