Frederick E. Hart (1943-1999)
The Daughters of Odessa, c.1998
Materials: Four-figure group in three pieces, cast bronze
Location at Summa Health: Dr. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Tower, Akron Campus (141 N. Forge St.), Dee and Rennick Andreoli Courtyard
Donated to Summa Health by The Shaffer Family
About the Art and Artist
Nestled in the Dee and Rennick Andreoli Courtyard on the western edge of the Summa Health System Akron Campus, The Daughters of Odessa appears to move gracefully with the breeze, its bronze surfaces glowing warmly in the late afternoon sun.
Created by renowned sculptor Frederick E. Hart, this work was first sculpted in clay before being cast in enduring bronze as three separate pieces, allowing for versatile arrangements. The Shaffer family, who generously donated the sculpture, played a key role in the installation process, ensuring the figures were placed on custom sandstone bases in 2020 to harmonize with their new setting.
This evocative composition pays tribute to the four daughters of Russian Czar Nicholas II (Anastasia, Tatiana, Olga, and Maria) who, along with their family, were tragically executed in Odessa in 1918. However, Hart intended the sculpture to serve as a broader homage to all children lost to war and violence in the 20th century. His artistic philosophy was rooted in the belief that art should elevate and inspire, which is reflected in his emphasis on grace and beauty rather than tragedy. His creative process and vision for The Daughters of Odessa are detailed in Michael Novak’s Frederick Hart: Changing Tides (2005). The Shaffer family was particularly drawn to Hart’s ability to capture elegant form and timeless movement in his work. The original version of The Daughters of Odessa was first presented to Charles, Prince of Wales, in 1998.
Born in Atlanta, Hart studied at the University of South Carolina and the Corcoran School of Art, where he developed a naturalistic style with expressive depth. His early career was shaped by an apprenticeship with master stone-carver Roger Morigi, who was instrumental in sculpting the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. This experience culminated in Hart’s commission for The Creation series, high-relief stone panels adorning the Cathedral’s western entrances.
One of Hart’s most notable public commissions was the bronze Three Servicemen statue, added to Maya Lin’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial in 1984. While Lin’s abstract granite wall etched with the names of fallen soldiers conveyed solemn remembrance, Hart’s lifelike portrayal of soldiers added a figurative dimension, offering a deeply personal reflection on the conflict. Today, both elements stand in juxtaposition on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Hart’s work, often inspired by 19th-century classical traditions, explored the expressive qualities of materials like bronze and stone. He also experimented with casting in acrylic to make his art more widely accessible. His sculptures have been collected and commissioned by federal and state governments and presented to international dignitaries, including the Pope. Portraits of past U.S. presidents, senators, and government officials by Hart can be found in the halls of the U.S. Capitol and state capitols nationwide.
In recognition of his artistic contributions, Frederick Hart was posthumously awarded the National Medal of Arts by President George W. Bush in 2004.
Where to See More of the Artist’s Work
Hart’s renowned Creation portals (1974-84) can be seen at the entrance to the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Additional information, videos, and an extensive collection of his original sculptures and cast reproductions are available on his official website. Many of Hart’s works, including castings of his smaller-scale maquettes, continue to be available through private galleries.