Existing comment:
Italian-born sculptor Pompeo Coppini completed work on the Key Monument in 1898 at the cost of $30,000. School children across the nation donated pennies, nickels, and more to help pay for the monument.
At the top, Key holds "The Star-Spangled Banner" manuscript and points to this nation's flag. Seated below is Columbia, representing patriotism, flanked by allegorical youths representing defense and music.
The sculptor's model for Columbia was Elizabeth di Barbieri. Coppini fell in love with Elizabeth and married her five months before the monument was dedicated.
Pompeo Coppini (1870-1957) Coppini designed the Half-Dollar, and thirty-six public monuments throughout the United States.
In the late 1800s descendants of Key gather at his first gravesite in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Perhaps they are singing "The Star-Spangled Banner."
All four verses of "The Star-Spangled Banner" appear on a bronze plaque on the rear of the monument. Coppini formed every letter, although he did not yet know the English language. |