Nathan Hale by Chipka
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Description
Though recognized as a hero in American history, much of what has been built around the extremely young man, Nathan Hale, is based on an idealized prototype. He is endowed with a particular, graceful—almost elfin—sensuality, though unlike the often lurid idealizations of Christ (often depicted as hanging almost sexually from a cross) Nathan Hale’s lithe and Apollonian beauty seems to stem not from the man himself, but from the existential core of his being. No contemporaneous images of him exist, but there are written eyewitness descriptions of him. In reading through accounts of his life, his deeds, and his demeanor, it isn’t much of a stretch to say that Hale—who died at the age of 21—was a handsome young buck…or as we’d say in the 21st century, a hottie.
At the age of 14, Nathan—along with his brother, Enoch—was sent to Yale College. The Hale brothers became members of the respected literary fraternity, Linonia, known for engaging in regular debates ranging from literature to astronomy, mathematics, and the ethics of slavery. This, in-and-of itself, is reason enough for such idealized images: one who debates ethics rather than morality is obviously keen enough to see the differences between those two (sometimes polar opposite) ideals and cast his lot with the more logical mental/intellectual principle. Morality is, after all, subjective and someone interested in issues of national identity and determination shows himself as intrinsically wise if he avoids the quagmire of morality all together. To me, this indicates that Nathan Hale was smart. And it is a well-established fact that ultimately, smart is sexy. (Unless you’re a part of the Hollywood or Oprah McDisney entertainment regime.)
Noted as America’s first real “spy,” there’s no doubt that Nathan Hale has a well-earned place in the pantheon of American Revolutionary Heroes. As a pious young man who liked kicking footballs over trees, there’s no doubt that he is the archetype of the “good ol’ red-blooded American guy." What strikes me the most, however, are the depictions of him—all of which seem to find their basis in actual written accounts of his appearance and demeanor on the day of his execution. He carried himself with dignity; he was taller than average—for that time at least; British and American combatants recognized the way his physical appearance caressed the eyes of those who saw him, and all of this has worked its way into his contemporary perceptions.
Based on accounts I’ve read in the past, and on images I’ve seen of him, I’d have to say—all heroic elements notwithstanding—that if I saw Nathan Hale walking down the street today, I’d look twice. If I saw him in a coffeehouse, I’d strike up a conversation, and maybe—just maybe (in that alternate world in which violates nothing I have and desire with a particular Russian) I’d try to get his phone number.
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I took this picture yesterday, just outside of Chicago's Tribune Tower. The statue of Nathan Hale has been there for as long as I can remember, and though I was admittedly more interested in the extreme Gothic detail of the building facade, I couldn't help but try to get Nathan in the shot as well. Like Franz Kafka, he's one of those handsome historical figures who tends to follow me around.
The statue here is actually one of an army of Nathan Hales derived from a single cast created by the artist Bela Lyon Pratt. Rather like Cylons from the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica, visually exact copies of this statue also stand at Yale, at Phillips Academy, at the Nathan Hale Homestead in Coventry, at Fort Nathan Hale in New Haven, Connecticut, at the US Department of Justice in Washington DC, and most fittingly, at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Headquarters in Langley, Virginia. This one statue gets a lot of mileage!
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As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting, and I hope you're all having a great weekend.
Comments (31)
bmac62
Wow...a different topic for you. Think Nathan would be reading Sci-Fi if he was here in 2010? I remember stories of him from when I was a boy. I think (could check but haven't) that he was captured and hanged on Long Island where I grew up...20 some miles east of New York City. Didn't he say, "Give me liberty or give me death?" Some things are better left unsaid...don't you agree? Anyway, I've always held NH in high esteem. I like the way you've humanized the statue of him and added a bit of lustre to old fond memories I have of him. Your pictures and postwork just keep getting better and better...how'd you do that fanciful look? Don't tell me...just a rhetorical question:)
KatesFriend
Curious how he seems to stand apart of the scene in direct contrast with the stone work behind him. Like a dominant spirit, which considering your description of the man, seems appropriate. Also apt is how the small tree seems to erase his year of death. I guess this is reflective of the immortality this man (or his legend) has achieved. But, smart is sexy? I wish the ladies of the 21st Century (well, let's face it, late 20th Century) were hip to that... Well okay, at least one was.
watapki66
Wonderful scene!
zoren
a man of his time, an ethical combatent? he took the chance.
MrsLubner
The mood oversees the night. The gritty message is passed through with the lighting and boosted texture. This is a fully emotional shot.
kwami
hey hunk, i see all your work, but dont have time to react all the time, sorry, but i still love your work
alessimarco
Very interesting perspective on Nathan Hale...good info! I love the light on your shot!
kgb224
Outstanding capture my friend.
lior
Excellent capture!
myrrhluz
Very interesting read! I didn't remember much about Nathan Hale, though I was pretty sure there was a famous quote. I did look it up. I must say the statue at City Hall Park, NYC with open collar, is particularly dishy! The one at Tulane was nice too and decked out in Mardi Gras beads. Beautiful lighting! I like the three black windows behind him and the dark pathways on either side. Excellent POV and capture of the Gothic architecture. The heavy shadows suit it well. Smart is definitely sexy!
helanker
WOW, What a story you told us here. I looked Nathan up, just to see what is said. I am impressed and yes, he is booth beautiful and dignified to look at. Thanks for the story and this beautiful image.
beachzz
History was NEVER this fun in school!!! For some strange reasons I thought Nathan Hale was a traitor, guess I was passing notes during that chapter!!
durleybeachbum
Truly fascinating...intruiging too. I love what you've done to the pic.
BertDes
Great shot.
Eresther
Excellent shot!!!
zulaan
Beautiful and mysterious... :)
yons
Being an Australian I had never heard of Nathan Hale but through your wonderful description of him I now do. As we say here. "Sounds like a real character"
flavia49
bountiful text!! and splendid work!
Erestorfan
What a great, great shot! The lighting is wonderful. I am ashamed to say that I don't know all that much about Nathan Hale...except that he was executed, but I had NO idea that he was only 21!!! I think I need to do some reading up on him!
MrsRatbag
Yes, another interesting read from you; and your shot is a very Chipesque vision! Well done!
MagikUnicorn
GORGEOIUS SHOT AND GREAT WRITING MATE
EricSBauer
NIce dark atmosphere. The lines and lighting here are awesome. Well done!
sandra46
outstanding story!! great image!!!
jocko500
a wonderful shot of the 007 James Bond of his day. love how you got the whole area
auntietk
I've learned more about Nathan Hale in the last 15 minutes than I did in the last 50 years! The image is fabulous ... it really draws me in ... and your presentation rocks, as usual! :)
MrM
Great shot. Working in New Haven, CT and in walking distance to Yale Univeristy, I've passed by this statue thousands of times and didn't realize that there were sisters of it around the country. The one in New Haven is outside Connecticut Hall where Nathan roomed while studying at Yale.
dakotabluemoon
Very interesting story and never heard of the guy guess i am just to young for this but i also think it would be a very interesting study.
SIGMAWORLD
Excellent photo.
thevolunteer
Nicely photographed. The colors and textures are fantastic. Interesting history as well. Aloha
nikolais
no matter when you're born you always carry a sign of your time... people tend to predominantly cherish those who have gone. exciting reading and visual support, Chip!