Felix de Weldon is internationally
recognized as the foremost American sculptor of the 20th
century. Most famous for his towering sculpture of the
Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, he is
renowned for his bronze sculptures of statesman and heroes,
thirty-two of which grace parks and government buildings
in Washington DC. With over twelve hundred public memorials
worldwide, Felix de Weldon devoted his life's work to
immortalizing those who have left an indelible influence
on humanity. Sadly, he passed away on June 3rd, 2003 at
the age of 96 and was laid to rest in Arlington National
Cemetery.
Featured
Collection
The Three Jurists
In 1954 the College of William and
Mary, this nation's first law school, commissioned Felix
de Weldon to create the busts of Sir William Blackstone,
Professor George Wythe and Chief Justice John Marshall,
who are considered to be the architects of American jurisprudence.
On September 25, 1954, the Rededication of the Anglo-American
Bench and Bar to it's Traditions of Representative Constitutional
Government was made at the College of William and Mary
and the three larger than life size busts were unveiled.
They remain on display there today.
In 2001 Felix de Weldon authorized the publication of
The Three Jurists to be cast in bronze in a limited edition
of two hundred and fifty. Now, The Felix de Weldon International
Art Gallery is proud to offer these magnificent sculptures
to you. Issued with each bust is a Certificate of Authenticity
personally signed by Felix de Weldon.
As this is a limited edition series, your collection will
be cast and numbered in the sequence that your order is
received. This incredible offering is a once in a life
time opportunity to acquire three extraordinary, limited
edition works of art with certificates of authenticity,
each personally signed by the artist deemed to be the
greatest sculpture of our time. Imagine the majesty of
presence this historical collection will lend to your
board room, lobby or foyer. For more information please
tour our gallery.
Sir William Blackstone
1723-1780
The First Vinerian Professor of Law in the English Speaking
World.
A British jurist, Doctor of Civil Law and professor at
Oxford University, William Blackstone began lecturing
on the common law of England in 1753. He was the first
to teach English law in a British university. In 1758
he was elected to the Oxford University Vinerian chair
of law, which was the first chair of common law established
in the English speaking world. Professor Blackstone’s
lectures were published as his Commentaries on the Laws
of England (1756-69). This work became the foundation
of legal education in England and North America and dominated
the common law legal system for over a century. Sir William
Blackstone is considered to be the single greatest influence
to both British and American jurisprudence
George Wythe
1726-1806
The First Professor of Law in America
A member of the Continental Congress and the First Virginia
signer of the Declaration of Independence, George Wythe
was one of the most prominent lawyers in 18th century
America and as such embodied the principles and ideals
on which the United States Of America was founded. Appointed
to the first chair at the College of William and Mary
In 1779, George Wythe became the first professor of law
in America and the second professor of law in the English
speaking world after Sir William Blackstone of England.
Professor Wythe’s students included future Presidents
Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe and Chief Justice John
Marshall.
Chief Justice John Marshall
1755-1835
The Father of American Constitutional Law
A prominent Virginia attorney who
had attended the College of William and Mary and studied
law under Professor George Wythe, John Marshall went on
to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1799
and was appointed to the post of U.S. Secretary of State
in 1800. Known for his belief in strong government, his
acute intellect and his sense of fairness, he was appointed
Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court by President John
Adams in 1801. Justice Marshall’s thirty-five year
term was marked by decisions, which molded the authority
of the nation’s judiciary and structured the political
and commercial relationships between the Federal government
and the states.
