Spirit of Detroit (Detroit, Michigan)

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The Spirit of Detroit is perhaps the city's best-known outdoor sculpture. The $40,000 was commissioned in 1955 and dedicated in 1958. The solid bronze statue was created by sculptor Marshall Fredericks. This super sized seated figure holds in his left hand a gilt bronze sphere emanating rays to symbolize God, and in his right hand, a family group symbolic of all human relationships. Fredericks says he never named the "Spirit of Detroit," but as his theme he used a verse from the Bible (2 Corinthians 3:17): "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." A 36- x 45-foot semicircular Symbol Wall behind the sculpture quotes this scripture and also includes the seals of the city and the county. A plaque in front of the sculpture bears the inscription, "Through the spirit of man is manifested in the family, the noblest human relationship." - Courtesy Woodward Heritage Team