Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1975.01 |
Object Name |
Bust |
Title |
Bust of Francis Xavier Dercum |
Artist |
Heber, Carl Augustus |
Date |
1927 |
Description |
Head and shoulders of figure facing forward, wearing jacket, vest, and tie. He is bald with a full mustache, bags under his eyes and slightly sunken cheeks. The base of the truncated torso is supported by a low, flat scroll with a lengthy inscription at the verso. Inscribed "C A Heber 19(27)" and "Francis X. Dercum M. D." Additional inscription at rear bottom: "one of the generalizations held out to us by the conception of the universe here outlined is that of a whole, all parts of which are expressive of manifestations of energy, manifestations cognate in correlative and intrinsically identical of necessity [.] such a conception must include living matter. Francis X. Dercum" |
Label |
This bust by German-born, Philadelphia sculptor Carl Heber depicts neurologist Francis Xavier Dercum. Dercum was born in Philadelphia and received his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1877. In 1884, he was one of the first researchers to use a form of motion pictures to study patients with nervous system disorders. He practiced and taught at the University of Pennsylvania, Jefferson Medical College, and many other institutions in the area. Dercum served as President of the APS from 1927 to 1931, when he died while presiding over an APS meeting, sitting in Benjamin Franklin’s library chair (F12). |
Medium |
Bronze |
Dimensions |
H-24 W-18 D-12.5 inches |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society |
Search Terms |
20th century twentieth century sculpture scientist physician University of Pennsylvania APS President |