This bronze figure, entitled "Spirit of Transportation," is one of the very last sculptures created by Swedish sculptor Carl Milles. It was first installed outside Cobo Hall's main entrance in 1960, then was displayed indoors for a time, and was finally placed in this location in 2015. The figure perches atop a very tall pedestal, as is common with many of the artist's sculptures of this size.
Its placement here near the waterfront seems much more appropriate than its previous locations, given the sculpture's theme. Our American Indian friend now has a much easier walk as he portages his canoe to the river ahead.
Born in 1875, Carl Milles studied art in Stockholm and Paris. By his late 40s, he was Sweden's preeminent master sculptor, with works, from diminutive to monumental, in locations all over Europe. He emigrated to Metro-Detroit to accept the position as "Sculptor in Residence" at Cranbrook Art Academy in Bloomfield Hills from 1931 to 1951.
During that period, the artist became mentor to another acclaimed local sculptor, Marshall Fredericks, who created "Spirit of Detroit" and many other public works throughout Metro-Detroit and the Midwest. Milles was known for his simplified forms in expressive movement, and that influence is evident in much of his protege's work.
While at Cranbrook, Milles continued to win high praise for his art and was awarded many sculptural commissions throughout the U.S., much of which were elegant fountain configurations he had become known for. Over 80 pieces of his work are displayed on Cranbrook's campus. You’ll also find his sculpture entitled "Hand of God" outside of Detroit's Frank Murphy Hall of Justice about a mile from here.
You can’t miss it... It’s on a very tall pedestal.
