Date of Birth: April 12, 1907
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Date of Death: June 2, 2003
Biography
Felix Weihs de Weldon was an influential Austrian-American sculptor renowned for his monumental works of art. Born on April 12, 1907, in Vienna, Austria, de Weldon displayed a prodigious talent for art from a young age. He pursued his education at the prestigious Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna and graduated with high honors in 1925. His early works garnered significant attention, leading to commissions that spanned continents. In the early 1930s, de Weldon moved to the United States, where he eventually became a naturalized citizen in 1945. His most famous work is the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial) in Arlington, Virginia, which commemorates the raising of the American flag on Iwo Jima during World War II. This iconic statue, inspired by the famous photograph taken by Joe Rosenthal, has become a symbol of American patriotism and sacrifice. Throughout his career, de Weldon completed over 1,200 public monuments, statues, and memorials worldwide. His works include sculptures of notable historical figures such as President John F. Kennedy, Sir Winston Churchill, and Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. De Weldon’s contributions to art and culture have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the United States Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award. Felix de Weldon passed away on June 2, 2003, in Woodstock, Virginia, leaving behind a legacy of art that continues to inspire and awe generations.
5 Interesting Facts about Felix de Weldon
1. Felix de Weldon worked on sculptures for over 70 years, with his career spanning from the 1920s to the early 2000s.
2. He served in the United States Navy during World War II, where he contributed to the war effort by creating artworks that boosted morale.
3. De Weldon was knighted by three different countries for his contributions to art: Belgium, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
4. He created a statue of King George VI for the British Empire Exhibition in 1924, making him a well-regarded artist even in his early twenties.
5. De Weldon’s Marine Corps War Memorial took nine years to complete and required the collaboration of 73 craftsmen to bring his vision to life.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Felix de Weldon
1. “Art is the signature of civilizations.”
2. “A monument only survives when it is in harmony with the spirits of men.”
3. “Sculpture is a parable, a story in stone, a story in bronze, a story in wood.”
4. “I see my work as a reflection of the history and culture that shaped it.”
5. “Every artist dips his brush in his own soul and paints his own nature into his pictures.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Felix de Weldon’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
Felix de Weldon had one son, named Daniel de Weldon. Daniel followed in his father’s artistic footsteps and became an accomplished artist and writer.
Relevant Links
1. [Wikipedia – Felix de Weldon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felix_de_Weldon
