Princeton Sculptures or... what’s actually happening behind the Chapel?

During its over 200-year history, Princeton has acquired a wide range of statues and sculptures. While some of these campus landmarks are clearly labeled, explaining what they are about, others simply are not. The Ink brings you the proper context for some notable sculptures around campus:Kent State Memorial: Abraham and IsaacProbably the most misinterpreted sculpture on campus, this one is meant to commemorate the shooting deaths of four unarmed protesters at a Kent State University protest in 1970.  You wouldn’t know it though, because there's no clear identification next to the statue. For many Princeton students, the statue, which depicts a man kneeling before another man with a knife, conjures up an entirely different story.The artist, George Segal, who taught sculpture at Princeton from 1968 to 1969, said he wanted to use the biblical tale of Abraham and Isaac as a metaphor for the shooting. It was initially commissioned by Kent State, but the school rejected it because it was seen as too controversial. Princeton bravely accepted it, but didn't make it too easy to tell that it was about student protest. There are two plaques on the wall of the chapel, about 20 feet away, and the one that references Kent State is barely visible.The statue’s location behind the University Chapel was meant to strengthen the biblical allusion. The plaque on top gives the biblical text of "The Trial of Abraham's Faith."    Circle of Animals/ Zodiac HeadsOver the years, many have asked the question, “Why are there a bunch of animal heads next to Woody Woo?”Brought to Princeton in 2012, the heads are the work of Chinese dissident artist Ai Wei Wei, one of the most influential artists today.The piece is a direct reference to the zodiac statues that once decorated an important imperial building in China. However, after French and English soldiers invaded the country in 1860, the statues were looted, and five of the 12 were destroyed.According to the Princeton University art museum, “Mr. Ai’s re-envisioning of the work represents an intriguing intersection of history and politics and is a reflection on the complexities of authenticity and derivation.” Thus, the location outside the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs is fitting.Public TableStudents can often be seen studying on this atop this flat object, leading some to question whether or not it’s actually a sculpture.It is indeed! Titled “Public Table,” artist Scott Burton designed the piece with interaction in mind. Burton said that “art should place itself not in front of, but around, behind, and underneath (literally) the audience.” He was known to have an obsession with furniture.The piece came to Princeton in the late 90s, and is based off an identical sculpture, which was made, oddly enough, for the General Mills Headquarters in Minneapolis.Oval with PointsAnd lastly, this thing. One of the most recognizable of Princeton’s famous sculptures, “Oval with Points” is modeled on the shape of an elephant skull. Of course, everyone has a different idea about what this statue is really about. Some believe it looks like two people embracing.The artist, Henry Moore, wanted the sculpture to work in harmony with nature, and he welcomed different interpretations of the work. In other words, it’s up to you to decide the sculpture’s meaning! Here's another angle.     That's the short list - feel free to impress your friends with this bountiful knowledge about these works of art. However, this is no complete guide; there are many more sculptures across campus. Know any other information about a particular sculpture? Post it in the comments below!