"found it at once coarse and disturbingly erotic" Sounds like great art.

I remember the big NYC documentary calling her a "stocky" "everyman" Angel.

Since then I've taken a closer look at our own Angel Of The Waters and yes, she's Realist, that is a portrait of a real person and not an idealized form, and you know, I much prefer that. I like that the Angel of Bethesda is a gal with strong legs and and good arms and a stern expression. She's a City statue, she should be up to the task.

I can't look at that statue and not think of "Angels of America". I had no idea that the Bethesda statue had such a history - thanks for the story.

And the woman who wrote the article is writing a book!

That was a fascinating story. Thanks much for sharing.

I was curious about the NYT obit mentioned in the article, which claimed to be 'relieved' that the days of women playing men's roles had died with Charlotte Cushman. The one I came up with doesn't actually mention relief, so it must not be the same one. However, it's a fascinating read just for its demonstration of the general low opinion of women and their abilities in the 19th century. It acts as if it's complimentary, but really just ends up being kind of derisive. Do read it!

Aren't angels supposed to be sexually ambiguous?

And I found several photos of the statue on flickr. This one shows the angel's face nicely.

Thanks for posting this, Whelk! One of my few baby pictures has this statue in it. I hadn't even realized the picture was taken in Central Park until recently.