Contemplate this large bronze sculpture. Sabrina stands before you a majestic river goddess. She’s a captivating bronze recasting of a much older sculpture. The original was created in 1845 by Scottish sculptor William Calder Marshall. He was inspired by John Milton’s poem Sabrina Fair.
Marshall’s first Sabrina was plaster. He later made a marble copy. Both were shown at the Royal Academy. This bronze Sabrina you see here is special. It’s the first solid bronze casting. This particular Sabrina has quite a history. She’s not just a pretty face. She’s travelled.
Amherst College in Massachusetts owns Sabrina. She was a gift in 1857. The gift came from Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Joel Hayden. For years Sabrina was near an octagonal building on the Amherst campus. This placement on Roosevelt Island near the Octagon building echoes that original setting. But Sabrina’s time at Amherst was anything but peaceful. She became a symbol of class rivalry.
Students at Amherst engaged in playful pranks and even vandalism. They fought over possession of the statue. These battles included painting her white and black. There were also thefts. One prank involved a dent in Sabrina’s cheek from an axe. Another involved her being thrown down a well. Even the college president tried to get rid of her once. The groundskeeper however saved her. He hid her in a haystack.
Sabrina’s story continued. She was even flown over sporting events. She’s appeared in other places too. There are copies in various locations. One is at a New York City Housing Authority project. Another is at the Times Square Hotel. Others are in Connecticut. These are all bronze castings made from a mold. The mold was in excellent condition and is located in Rochester Vermont.
This particular Sabrina here on Roosevelt Island is a remarkable piece. She is a stunning addition to the island’s collection of sculptures. Her placement overlooking the East River is perfect for the river goddess. She watches over the water. She seems ready to listen and save. Sabrina’s story is full of mischief and adventure. She’s more than just a statue. She’s a symbol of resilience. She’s a legend in bronze. She invites you to reflect on her unique journey. She silently tells her story. A story of journeys across states. A story of class rivalries. A story of pranks and stolen moments. Sabrina. A lasting symbol.