Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1976.1 |
Object Name |
Sculpture |
Title |
Head of George Washington Corner |
Artist |
Buba, Joy |
Date |
1975 |
Description |
Rough bronze sculpture of head and neck, turned slightly towards subject's left. He has short, side-parted hair, small eyes, a rounded nose, pursed mouth and elongated earlobes. The bottom stops just below the collar of a suit and tie. Hollow cast, bolted to a black, rectangular, stone base. The bronze has a reddish-brown patina. Inscribed on collar at verso: "Joy Buba 75." |
Label |
George Washington Corner was Executive Officer of the APS from 1960 to 1977. He was born in Baltimore in 1889, and studied biology and medicine at the Johns Hopkins Medical School. Focusing his research on the female reproductive cycle in the mammal, Corner was deeply involved in studying the hormones related to reproduction, and helped discover and name progesterone. The knowledge of hormones was an essential precursor to the development of the birth control pill. Corner also believed that the general public should have greater awareness of biology, publishing a number of works directed at lay people, including "Attaining Manhood" and "Attaining Womanhood," published in 1938 and 1939, respectively. His research interests also extended to medical history, and he edited the 1948 autobiography of Benjamin Rush. This sculpture, by noted artist and friend of Corner’s Joy Flinsch Buba, was given to the APS through a group of Corner’s friends who raised money for its execution. Three years later, on his 90th birthday, the APS awarded him its Franklin Medal, in appreciation of his services to the Society. |
Medium |
Bronze |
Dimensions |
H-18.75 W-7 D-11 inches |
Dimension Details |
Without base: 14.25 x 7 x 11 Base: 4.5 |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society. Gift of friends, 1976. |
Search Terms |
20th century twentieth century sculpture scientist physician |