NUSANTARA.COM: Singapore Public Art

Typical Prosperous and Honest Merchant, William G. Stirling, 1939 bronze commission: gift of the artist location: Singapore History Museum « go previous go to next » go back to list

How odd - this is an anonymous bust, "the artist's conception of a typical prosperous and honest Chinese merchant during the colonial days." (this according to the SHM website). The bust, donated by artist William Stirling in 1939, had originally stood in front of the museum for almost 50 years. It was then shifted to the side lawn in December 1984 to make way for the time capsule, that was placed there as a part of the National Exhibition to celebrate Singapore's 25 years of nationhood. Surely *someone* was the model for this bust? But who? and why the anonymity?

text of the label affixed to the work:

"Given to Singapore in 1939 by the artist, William G. Stirling, as a tribute to the people who have done so much by their great patience, endurance and fortitude to bring the Straits Settlement and Malaya to their present state of prosperity." translation from the Chinese at the SHM website, Sept, 2001

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