There are various memorials more than one can count including benches with plaques, monuments, and statues of historical figures. They function as commemorated objects that have value and historical significance of the past and are part of the public memory. I think there were about 18-25 monuments in total and I would categorize them into dedicated to honor individuals and different groups of people. Many of the benches with the plaques said “Robert M. Neydon” and others with initials of people’s names.

The monument I chose to examine was the statue of Roscoe Conkling; which is located on 23rd Street on the corner of Maddison Avenue. This memorial was interesting because of the physical figure and the pose it has; which intrigued me and brought my attention. The main components are the integral plinth, the pedestal itself, and the bronze statue of Conkling. Repetitions of similarity occur in the sculptural details of his militaristic attire. Binary oppositions are present in his figure which appears to symbolize authoritative power and leadership.

This memorial implies a heroic commemoration for Roscoe Conkling perhaps for his military achievements and impact. I am left with questions such as how many people were involved in the making of the statue? and how long has the statue been there? The historical context of the memorial is that it was created by John Quincy Adams Ward an American sculptor in 1893. Roscoe Conkling was a prominent historical figure, serving as both a congressman and senator. I believe this monument reminds me of similar ones I’ve seen in Central Park which depicted historical members.

The intended audience for this memorial is those who were former/serving members of the military. This would speak most towards someone knowledgeable in history /politics. The purpose of this monument is to pay tribute to Roscoe Conkling and his significant achievements in serving on the judiciary committee, helping support the passage of a civil rights bill, and playing a prominent role in framing the Electoral Commission bill of 1877. The composition is the bronze statue itself and the granite pedestal. The view the visitor takes on is the frontal view of a standing historical figure who embraced his duties in American democracy.

The monuments show elements of Conckling’s authoritative power in both his pose and military demeanor. The function of the memorial as a whole is it occupies a cubicle amount of space and there was minimal public observance such as photos being taken and people stopping by and observing the statue for some time. The reason for limited interaction is that since it’s a statue there was not enough space for anyone to sit by it. Despite all this the memorial still serves as a historical marker, preserving the legacy of Sir Roscoe Conkling and preserving him as a symbol of Madison Square Park.