Audrey Munson. The first time I even heard the name was during the tour of the Woolworth Building back in November. It was just a short remark about the gal on top of the nearby Municipal Building (below)…and those few words from the guide intrigued me enough that I knew I wanted to learn more about Audrey Munson. When I’m intrigued…I research…and that sent me to the New York Public Library to check out the book…American Venus…The Extraordinary Life of Audrey Munson, Model and Muse. What an amazing story.
Here she is on top of the Maine Monument in Columbus Circle of Manhattan…
And here she is as Pomona…the lady in the fountain…
in front of the Plaza Hotel at the entrance of Central Park…
the Bergdorf Goodman building in the background…
Clearly…she had a beautiful body…regardless of the direction…
Today, we think nothing of seeing a nude female or male sculpture, photograph or movie…but think back to the early 1900’s. Audrey was born in the late 1800’s and came to New York City as a teenager. Recognized on the streets by her good looks…a photographer invited her to his studio and thus the beginning of her career posing nude…photographs, sculptures, and even movies…as she was the first woman to appear nude in a non-porn movie in 1915.
In the early 1920’s…after being connected with several scandals and perhaps failed attempts at other types of careers…she attempted suicide…then in 1931 she was admitted to a hospital for the insane and lived there for 65 years until she died, at the age of 105. A remarkable, yet very tragic story.
There are 15 statues of her throughout the city…and I know now…that when I see her throughout my city…I’ll certainly have a different perspective…thanks to that one little comment from the guide…
Missing my city…
but enjoying the warm temperatures and sunshine here in the Arizona desert…
more soon! gg
What an interesting story, and she is very beautiful… Thanks for doing the research and sharing this story and photos with us. Love and hugs. xoxo
Thanks my dear! Always fun to share! xo
What a sobering story, Robin. Thank you for doing the research and showing us the images to learn of yet another “example” of how our humanity affects us all in different ways. Bittersweet.
Bittersweet, yes! Who even knew? Thanks Ginnie!
Thank goodness for your curious and open mind! I love that you took the time to research this lovely woman and her story – and share it here. Put in the context of the time, Audrey was truly a maverick. But, how sad an ending . . . to imagine her struggles and a lifetime spent in an institution.
Love the views of the statues and the surrounding architecture in your photographs – like taking a little trip from my own home. Thanks, Robin!
Maverick is such the perfect word for her! Can you imagine how gutsy she was during those times? Thanks Donna…always enjoy your visits!
Now I am intrigued and will try to find out more about her life.Love the pictures – front and back.
Enjoy the warm sun!
I think you’ll find her life so interesting…thanks always Karen!
What was that comment that intrigued you? Do you recall?
This really touches me, thanks to your vantage point and images.
Thank you so much Ruth! The guide made a very quick reference to Audrey when we were outside looking at the external features of the building…mentioning that she (Audrey) was all over Manhattan…and spent most of her life in a mental institution. Besides wanting to know my city better by learning where else statues of Audrey were located…knowing that she spent all those years in a mental institute…well that was all it took to get me on the path of wanting to know more. And I’m so glad I did! So wonderful to connect with you!
After reading your post I googled her and saw more of the many statues and works of her. How extraordinary, and how very sad.
Yes, it is very nice to connect with you after hearing about you for so long from Ginnie and Astrid. I had a blast with my friend in NY, though getting back to MI was a bit of a hassle. Our plane had to turn back to NY because the de-icer wasn’t working!. Thankfully we got another flight 3 hours later. I know where all the bathrooms are in the C terminal at LaGuardia. 🙂
LOL! Well knowing all the bathroom locations is important! Wonderful to connect!
Thank you, once again, for sharing so much of your city … it sure is jam packed with interesting people & places.
It sure is Susan! Thanks always for popping in!
What a story – I have goose bumps all over. I would have never known about this without you, Robin … thanks.
I did too as soon as I heard the guide mention Audrey… Thank you Katrin!
Who knew?! I’ll have to check her out next time I’m in NYC. Your posts, in addition to containing beautiful photographs, are always so edifying. Thanks for that!
You are so welcome! I love sharing my city and am always wanting to learn more and more! Thanks Patricia so much for your visit!
Thanks for the back round of this young model! And thanks for your gorgeous photos of her image.