Tuesday, April 14, 2009

black jack

Black Jack is modeled after the riderless Morgan horse in President Kennedy's funeral procession, complete with leather boots reversed in the stirrups, which symbolizes a lost warrior. There are images of the President along with his funeral caisson painted on his sides. Black Jack rode in the funerals of not only President Kennedy, but also Presidents Hoover and Johnson and accompanied one thousand soldiers to their graves in Arlington Cemetery. The artists actually broke three of the legs on their model and recast them so that he would have his feet on the ground in proper military stance.

4 comments:

Abba's Girl said...

Beautiful statue. We had cows through out Houston one year to raise money for charity. I think we had horses too. Are you in Derby countdown mode?

Love, Annette H

Karen said...

It feels like it. Thunder over Louisville (the nation's largest fireworks show...or so the ads say) is this weekend. Then it's Derby, Derby, Cerby til May 2nd.

annie's eyes said...

What a moving story to go with a great piece of art. I don't remember much about the funeral procession of President Kennedy so I wasn't familiar with Black Jack. I hope you share with us again about all things derby in the coming weeks. I send your writing to my neighbor, Gwen, who throws a Derby party each year. Love, Annette G

Angela Baylis said...

SO interesting! I can't tell you how much I enjoy learning when I stop over here! Keep 'em coming!
Love,
Angie xoxo