Nathan Hale

In this bronze statue, Frederick William MacMonnies depicts Revolutionary War hero Nathan Hale in his most famous and tragic hour. His hands and feet bound by rope, the twenty-one year-old Hale expresses brave defiance. Caught by the British for spying, Hale is reported to have said, “I regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” After speaking these words, he was hung. An over life-size version of this sculpture was commissioned for City Hall Park in New York City and was dedicated in 1893. The work won MacMonnies the second-class medal at the Paris Salon. He was the first American to receive the prize, and it was the highest honor available to a non-French artist. As a teenager, MacMonnies worked in the studio of well-known sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, who recognized his artistic gifts. In 1884, he went to Paris to study sculpture at the École des Beaux-Arts. Although MacMonnies remained in France for most of his career, many of his commissions continued to come from American patrons and to treat American themes. Defiance, bravery and pride are qualities expressed in Frederick William MacMonnies’ bronze sculpture of the Revolutionary War hero Nathan Hale. With his hands and feet bound by rope, he is convincing as the twenty-one year-old who said, “I regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” Following these words, he was hung by the British for spying.