Johnson Marchant Mundy

1831-1897

Mundy was a successful sculptor during the 19th century. Beginning to lose his eyesight at the age of eight, his condition gradually worsened over time. Even though he was nearly blind for the last two decades, he continued to sculpt through magnifying glasses and his sense of touch.

During this period, he produced his most renowned works: a portion of the Soldiers’ Monument in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery and a large statue of author Washington Irving. Somewhat earlier in his life (1872), Johnson was commissioned to make a bust of Frederick Douglass. His most famous work remains on display at the University of Rochester.