The Herman Melville statue at Seamen’s Bethel has been unveiled in New Bedford.
It stands at the chapel frequented by the author close to two centuries ago, before he began his journey of whaling that was the inspiration for the book “Moby Dick.” The statue was created by artist Stefanie Rocknak.
The statue is made of bronze, stands at seven and half feet tall, and is of Melville standing composed and firm with the sea swirling around him. Emerging from the water are three large whale ribs that represent the journey of Melville in and out of the whale. Rising above them is Melville with his mouth open as he begins to tell the story of the whale.
Mayor Jon Mitchell said that the book is one of the most famous works in the English language and has shaped the national identity of America, explaining:
“So, it is entirely fitting that. . . on the grounds of the chapel where he once worshipped, having been drawn to New Bedford’s great whale fishery, we dedicate a statue of Herman Melville, whose magnum opus continues to call us to reflect deeply on our place in the world.”
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