The Fireman's Memorial is a very moving memorial located at 100th and Riverside Drive. The memorial was constructed of pink marble in 1913 by Attilio Piccirilli. Piccirilli was one of six brothers who immigrated from Italy in 1867. The brothers, along with their father, were well known as stone carvers. From their Bronx studio they carved Daniel Chester French's famous statue for the Lincoln Memorial. Attilio, along with his brother Furio, was also highly regarded as a sculptor in his own right.
There are several parts to the memorial: two sculptures, a bas relief of firemen, a fountain and small reflecting pool, and a nearby plaque honoring firehorses. As far as I know Audrey Munson posed for women in both sculptures. In one sculpture, a woman comforts a small child while holding a fireman's helmet in her lap. In the second sculpture a very muscular woman holds the body of a dead fireman. A muscular woman is out of character for Munson who wrote "You can't be both athletic and beautiful! Escew all athletic exercises! Athletics over develop certain muscles..."
The Piccirilli's sculpted or carved several works for which Munson posed. Among them are the Maine Monument, by Attilio, and Daniel Chester French's Four Continents at the U. S. Customs House.
Discussion and more photos of the memorial from forgottendelights.comExhibit and signage to commemorate renowned Mott Haven sculptors article from the Bronx Times.
Teacher honors forgotten sculptors April 23, 2001 story about the Piccirilli's from the Bronx Beat.
Brief biography of Attilio Piccirilli from the National Sculpture Society.
Pokorny and Associates firm that recently restored the memorial.
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