Pen and watercolor drawing probably commissioned by Baird Marble Works, Philadelphia showing the design for the sepulchral monument for the midshipman. Depicts a column-shaped monument on a pedestal inscribed with Perry's epitaph. An American eagle with a laurel wreath in his beak sits atop the column that is entwined by an American flag. An anchor and American shield, partially wrapped in the flag, adorns the bottom of the column. Shield inscribed: Given To His Country. Taken To His God. Perry was the son of the 72nd Governor of South Carolina Benjamin Perry. The elder Perry was a Southern Unionist who did not support secession before the Civil War. Known as Frank, the younger Perry attended the U.S. Naval Academy before his death. The monument, near identical to the rendering, marks Perry's grave in Christ Episcopal Church Cemetery, Greenville, South Carolina., Title from text included on depicted monument., Inscribed in ink in lower right corner: Baird, Philadelphia., Gift of David Doret and Linda G. Mitchell.
Date
[ca. 1860]
Location
Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Doret and Mitchell Collection - Drawings and Watercolors - A-Z - Perry [P.2017.8.24]
