Look closely at this bust. It’s a bronze sculpture of William Shakespeare, the world-renowned playwright and poet. This is a monument to one of literature’s greatest minds. This particular bust was designed by a sculptor named William Ordway Partridge, in 1893, and installed in 1894 in Chicago’s Lincoln Park. You can see his pensive, classic image right before your eyes. In 1886, a Chicago businessman, Samuel Johnston, passed away. He left money in his will to construct a monument to Shakespeare in Lincoln Park. The executors of his will held a sculpture competition. The winning sculptor was William Ordway Partridge. The statue was sculpted in Paris and shipped to Chicago. The unveiling of the sculpture was hosted on the supposed anniversary of Shakespeare’s birthday and death, April 23, 1894. So it was a very special day. The statue is on an unusually low pedestal, and it is said that Partridge wanted the monument not only for the wealthy and powerful, but for everyone to enjoy. It’s said that he was very passionate about Shakespeare. He had a deep love for the subject and he studied the life and times of Shakespeare intensely before creating the bust. He visited Stratford, England, where Shakespeare was born and raised. He studied existing artwork, including a death mask which was believed to be authentic. He even consulted with Shakespearean actors and costume designers to ensure his artwork reflected the playwright’s life as accurately as possible. That is the reason the statue is so captivating and lifelike. The beauty of the bust invites you to pause and contemplate the brilliance and legacy of the Bard. This is such a special place to reflect on history and art.
Congregation Or Torah
Rabbi Zvi Engel’s leadership guides Congregation Or Torah. This impressive Modern Orthodox Synagogue stands proudly in Skokie Illinois. It’s one