Blasco Memorial Library, Erie, Pa.
Bronze 7'
Michael Kraus has always been a student, and collector of history, particularly the Civil War. Kraus became familiar with the story of Strong Vincent while an art student at Edinboro University, near Vincent's' hometown of Waterford, Pa. Famous for his brilliant defense of Little Round Top during the battle of Gettysburg, where he was mortally wounded, Vincent was never honored with a monument. A committee was formed in Erie in 1995 to honor the local hero with a long overdue statue. For Kraus this was a dream come true commission. Working with the committee, a pose was adopted showing Vincent in command at a critical point in the battle moments before he was struck in the hip by a confederate bullet. Every detail of the Colonels uniform can be seen. Kraus drew upon his personal collection of Civil War antiques and other reference material to make the details historically accurate. That, coupled with a very lifelike portrait makes the figure appear almost as if it could walk right off the pedestal and continue the battle.
The statue was dedicated in September 1997 in front of a large crowd, and has received rave reviews.
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Michael Kraus
1040 W. Ingomar Rd.
Pittsburgh, PA
(412)364-7815
