sculptureworks, inc.
link to about us link to sculptors link to library exhibits link to lectures and workshops link to shows and sales link to commissions link to world tours
link to from clay to bronze link to kids site link to support and volunteer link to resources link to news link to calendar link to contact us
penelope jencks penelope jencks

Penelope Jencks
"Eleanor Roosevelt" Monument
Bronze on a Granite Rock
8' H

Part of the permanent collection of the City of New York, NY.

Also Available:
"Eleanor Roosevelt" Maquette
Bonded Bronze
14.5" x 9" x 5.75"


eleanor roosevelt
eleanor roosevelt
eleanor roosevelt
eleanor roosevelt
Sculptor Penelope Jencks stands with her "Eleanor Roosevelt" Monument.

The "Eleanor Roosevelt" monument was unveiled by former First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton in Manhattan's Riverside Park (New York, NY) in October of 1996. Since its dedication, the sculpture has become a focal point for neighbors and visitors alike.

Sculptor Penelope Jencks was chosen out of over 400 applicants to sculpt the larger than lifesize piece, which was sponsored in part by the Eleanor Roosevelt Monument Fund and the City of New York. Penelope began her work on the piece in 1992, studying hundreds of photographs of Eleanor Roosevelt. She chose a contemplative pose for the sculpture, to suggest the complicated inner life of Eleanor Roosevelt. Her sculpture also captures Mrs. Roosevelt's dignity, simple humanity, and thoughtfulness. The sculpture's face expresses wisdom and compassion as it looks off into the distance.

Penelope Jencks grew up in a household where Eleanor Roosevelt was revered and quoted often. Thus, Penelope has said that while she worked on this project, she felt a much stronger sense of identification with Eleanor Roosevelt than she had with any other of her previous subjects. This strong feeling, so apparent in the brooding, pensive presence of the sculpture, is reinforced by the intimate physical relation which the viewer receives by having the sculpture set on the ground, almost directly in front of the observer.

On the sidewalk in front of the monumental sculpture is a stone engraved with a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt: "Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home. Such are the places where every man, woman and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity." - Eleanor Roosevelt, 1958


Click here to return to Penelope Jencks' main page.


Copyright © 2001 - 2014.  Sculptureworks, Inc.  All rights reserved.