Walker Hancock | |
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Born | |
Died | December 30, 1998 | (aged 97)
Alma mater | Washington University in St. Louis' School of Fine Arts Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts American Academy in Rome |
Notable work | Pennsylvania Railroad World War II Memorial Soldiers' Memorial in St. Louis |
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 Pennsylvania Railroad World War II Memorial (1950–52) at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, and the World War I Soldiers' Memorial (1936–38) in St. Louis, Missouri. 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 presently housed at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the Library of Congress, the U.S. Supreme Court, and the United States Capitol.
During World War II, he was one of the Monuments Men, who recovered art treasures looted by the Nazis. Hancock was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1989, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1990.