the texas ranger statute
DESCRIPTION
Pompeo Coppini’s personal notes regarding a memorial for the Texas Rangers, give a rare insight into a prolific and talented “Born Again Texan”; and allows the reader some insights to the person behind the fame. “…He will show the daring, the alertness, the fearless bearing of a dare devil; modestly, but fully equipped, scouting over the edge of a cliff. Expecting to discover danger and dispose of the enemy of civilization.” By the Italian born American sculpture Pompeo CoppiniTRANSCRIPT
The Texas Ranger StatuteBy the Italian born American sculpture Pompeo Coppini
Pompeo Coppini’s personal notes regarding a memorial for the Texas Rangers, give a rare insight into a prolific and talented “Born Again Texan”; and allows the reader some insights to the person behind the fame.
I have gathered here some handwritten notes that were written in Pompeo Coppini’s own hand, in preparation to sculpt a statue portraying a typical Texas Ranger, my thanks go out the Coppini Academy of Fine Arts for access to the sculptor’s notes.
Coppini writes:
“…The man portrayed in the statue is intended as a typical Texas Ranger on duty riding on the range with his pack-mule…many miles from his base and possible having more days to go.”
“…He will show the daring, the alertness, the fearless bearing of a dare devil; modestly, but fully equipped, scouting over the edge of a cliff. Expecting to discover danger and dispose of the enemy of civilization.”
The reader may note the quest in which Coppini was dedicated to expressing an vision that would bring forth the images of the old west and the character of the subject matter for those who are beholding the memorial statue.
An initial sketch drawn by the artist follows and gives a conceptual image that invokes the inner stirrings sought by the sculptor.
He continues:
“…The base is to give the appearance of the Wild West, no mouldings…not even tablets as we see in City Folks Monuments.”
“…Nothing must be there to suggest him being near the comfort of civilization, as he alone should stand for the first advance in the wild…to bring that civilization by the elimination of it’s worse enemies.”
“…The horse has to have the animation of its rider and in all there shall be intense human emotion and intelligence. The man wears a beard, as he has had no time for dress parade of unnecessary care to himself. The mule is not concerned…except with it’s burden, he is docile…a pet, he is looking at the precipice below with calm and resign. He is always ready to follow…”
The memorial statue rests inside the Pioneer Trail Drivers Texas Rangers Museum at 3805 Broadway in San Antonio, Texas.