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
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/monumental.html#CTD5izSzLIZKqDQt.99
Second try on commeting … know about fighting and fighting and fighting … smiles … Love from this gypsy girl … Love, cat.
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Thanks Cat…always nice to get some love from you !
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Nice that he looks real – it’s less a glorification of war (which such monuments tend to be) than a memorial for the fallen.
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Very true, I think that is why he spoke to me when I saw him Meredith.
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He does look real. Brings to mind the movie “Gallipoli” which was quite sad and a Priscilla Herdman song. WWI is really a forgotten, horrible war.
janet
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it is such a sad movie…I agree. War is always such a sad thing.
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The expression on his face says about the war and his sorrow…
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It does doesn’t it !!! he really made me stop when I saw him. Stop…contemplate.
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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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Oh dear…so sorry !!!
🙂
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Yours is a better angle and better shot all round … sniff …
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Awww…thanks. But we will never know that until you show me yours…after I showed you mine.
😉
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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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Waiting…
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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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😉
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Interesting photo and explanation. I loved the quotes, particularly Samuel Goldwyn. 🙂
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I liked that one too !
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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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I thought that too when i saw him Christine. Then when I Googled him…even more so.
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I’m glad he looks like he does – there’s nothing tidy about war.
Thanks for sharing this, Jo 🙂
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You are welcome Marianne. There just is something about him I thought when I saw him.
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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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Thanks Sue. I was really drawn to him for some reason.
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He looks real, an everyday hero soldier.
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My thoughts exactly Gilly !!!
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Not too shabby, Jo. Just looks like he’s been through a lot. Fab shot.
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Thanks Gemma. For some reason this one held me.
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He looks real and so very young! A beautiful entry Jo.
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Thanks Madhu. I can’t put my finger on it but he really had me fascinated even before I knew the story behind him.
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I love the Tommy Douglas quote. I think I would feel the same. 🙂
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Some people have a knack for saying things that actually mean something important, even when at first glance it might seem flippant.
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Really groovy pic!
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Thanks Russell !!!
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