Weekly Photo Challenge: Monument

Jo Bryant, ,
The Untidy Soldier
The Untidy Soldier

This memorial which is located in Devonport, on the North Shore of Auckland, is the work of Frank Lynch. Frank was an ex-digger. He has described the work as an ANZAC digger ready to leave Gallipoli who is saluting his dead friends by taking off his hat. This figure has become known as ‘the untidy soldier’.

It is said that the untidy soldier shows that Kiwi soldiers were not concerned so much about how they looked, but about how they performed on the battlefield. The untied boot laces and the shabby clothing are what gave the sculpture its nickname.

Many New Zealand First World War monuments of soldiers were carved in Italy. The ones that were done by New Zealand artists are considered to have better captured the Kiwi soldiers’ quite distinctive characteristics.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Monument

Some thoughts on monuments.

“I had a monumental idea this morning, but I didn’t like it.” – Samuel Goldwyn

“Death comes to all, but great achievements build a monument which shall endure until the sun grows cold.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“I don’t mind being a symbol but I don’t want to become a monument. There are monuments all over the Parliament Buildings and I’ve seen what the pidgeons do to them.” – Tommy Douglas

“There is great incongruity in this idea of monuments, since those to whom they are usually dedicated need no such recognition to embalm their memory; and any man who does, is not worthy of one.”  – Nathaniel Hawthorne

 

 

Published by Jo Bryant

I was born in the land of Banjo Paterson, gum trees, and weather extremes. I am a freelance photographer. I love to make images that make people happy. To capture forever a precious moment. I am also a freelance writer/editor. I live in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, but still like to claim my Australian heritage. I graduated with a Bachelor of Communications in 2008. I am writing my first novel. I love to write poetry, short stories, and also write for the web. And there is nothing that is on a par with a sunny summer's day spent at Waihi Beach.

34 Comments

  1. Second try on commeting … know about fighting and fighting and fighting … smiles … Love from this gypsy girl … Love, cat.

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  5. Dammit~! I was going to use this statue in my second post on the Challenge but you beat me to it. And with a much better shot, I have to admit.

    I remember some years ago that his bayonet was nicked — has it been replaced? Looks like it …

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          1. I’d show you mine if I could find it … I know it’s here somewhere, but I have to look.

            Don’t wait up. Mutter mutter mutter …

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          3. Apologies. I can’t find the rotten thing; but all is not lost. Somewhere here may be a photo taken of me standing under that monument when I was a wee lad (bright-eyed and bushy tailed—ye gods, what a difference!).

            Thank you for you patience …

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  7. he does look real, more touching than many soldier monuments I have seen, tired, hungry, grieving … a wonderful portrayal that does not glorify war …

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  9. A beautiful statue…as someone mentioned above, the look on his face says it all.
    I like the sepia tone on the photo Jo, and the addition of the quotes to your post.

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