Walker Hancock
Walker Hancock | |
|---|---|
Hancock, c. 1960 | |
| Born | June 28, 1901 |
| Died | December 30, 1998 (aged 97) |
| Alma mater | School of Fine Arts, Washington University in St. Louis Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts American Academy in Rome |
| Notable work | Pennsylvania Railroad World War II Memorial James Madison, Library of Congress Soldiers' Memorial, St. Louis, Missouri |
| Style | Monumental sculptures |
| Awards | National Medal of Arts (1989) Presidential Medal of Freedom (1990) |
Walker Kirtland Hancock (June 28, 1901 – December 30, 1998) was an American sculptor and teacher. He created notable monumental sculptures, including the World War I Soldiers' Memorial (1936–1938) in St. Louis, Missouri; and the Pennsylvania Railroad World War II Memorial (1950–1952) at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He made major additions to the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., including Christ in Majesty (1972), the bas relief over the High Altar. Works by him are in the collections of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York; the Library of Congress; the United States Supreme Court Building; and the United States Capitol.
During World War II, Hancock was one of the Monuments Men, who recovered art treasures looted by the Nazis. Congress awarded him the National Medal of Arts in 1989, and President George H. W. Bush awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1990.