1I am pleased to know that there are efforts to remove the statue “Civic Virtue” from the prominent position it now holds at the corner of Union Turnpike and Queens Boulevard in Kew Gardens.
This was an action that the Center for Women had advocated over 15 years ago when Borough President Claire Shulman was in office. At that time, she was also in favor of moving it, but needed funds to finance the move.
Since that time, other public officials have also expressed their wish for removal. Current Borough President Helen Marshall, former Congressmember Anthony Weiner and Councilmember Julissa Ferreras have all joined the many who find it insulting to women.
We are happy to know that the family of MacMonnies is going to pay for the statue to be restored and moved to Green-Wood Cemetery. We look forward to a good resolution of what has been a contentious issue. We would be thrilled to see some work of art that celebrates the tremendous contribution of the outstanding women in public service, such as Geraldine Ferraro and many other women that Queens has produced.
Ann Juliano Jawin,
Chair and Founder
Center for the Women of New York
Civic Virtue does not depict a nude man standing over 2 women. The figures are an allegorical representation of Greek mythology. Hercules stands over but not on top of 2 female sirens symbolizing vice and corruption, which Civic Virtue denounces in society. Some politicians cannot bear passing it en route to Borough Hall. Just examine the track record of those who had to step down in recent years due to their shattered oath not long after being elected to public office. This is a peaceful statue designed by the world-known Frederick MacMonnies, who was the last major American Beaux Art sculptor. Civic Virtue is public art that belongs to & in Queens. On behalf of the citizens of Queens who wish to secure its future where it has sat for 71 years, it is unethical behavior by Department of Citywide Administrative Services, the NYC Design Commission, and select “public servants” to concoct a deal to transport Civic Virtue to the privately-owned Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn. This was not agreed upon by the Queens constituency. We pay our fair share of taxes. Join http://www.triumphofcivicvirtue.org