Lorado Taft, “Aspiration,” Bronze, c. late 19th early 20th century

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A figure is standing, barefoot, on a square-shaped base. He is wearing a clingy tunic that shows the form of his body. This garment is floor-length, and loose sleeves fall toward his shoulders, leaving his arms bare. His right leg is bent at the knee and is positioned slightly forward, a small amount of weight on the ball of his right foot. The figure is looking up, and his arms, at near right angles, are raised. His shoulders slope upward.

Dimensions:
14 1/4 x 5 5/8 x 3″
Lorado Taft
(1860-1936)
More about the artist

Lorado Taft was born in Elmwood, Illinois. He attended the University of Illinois in Champagne Urbana where his father taught geology. Then Taft went to Europe for further study. After finishing his European studies, Taft returned to Illinois and lighted in Chicago. Here he found a need for his skills, as Chicago was preparing for the Columbian Exposition. Taft remained based in Chicago for the rest of his life and became an instructor at the Art Institute. Taft considered educating the public about art as his mission in life, and so he traveled around the country (and especially around the Midwest) giving lectures and demonstrations. Taft wrote two books on sculpture and won awards in 1893 at the Columbian Exposition; in 1901 at the Buffalo Exposition; and in 1904 at the St. Louis Exposition. You can see other examples of Taft sculptures in places like Chicago, Urbana, Elmwood, and Oregon, Illinois.

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