Object of the Day

Bust of Charlie Parker

September 14

This bust of American composer and saxophonist Charles "Charlie" Parker, Jr. (1920 - 1955) was made by Ed Dwight in Denver, Colorado in 1990. Made of cast bronze, the sculpture depicts Parker’s head, neck and hands, playing a saxophone, on a base of saxophones and a stylized keyboard.

Bust of Charlie Parker

Description (Brief)

This bust of American composer and saxophonist Charles "Charlie" Parker, Jr. (1920 - 1955) was made by Ed Dwight in Denver, Colorado in 1990. Made of cast bronze, the sculpture depicts Parker’s head, neck and hands, playing a saxophone, on a base of saxophones and a stylized keyboard.

Ed Dwight began his career as a graduate engineer, was a former United States Air Force test pilot who became the first African American to be trained as an astronaut in 1962. Following a career in real estate, computer systems engineering, and consulting, Dwight pursued art and received a Masters of Fine Arts from the University of Denver in 1977. Dwight’s works include fine art sculpture, large-scale memorials and public art projects.

Location
Currently not on view
Data Source
National Museum of American History
depicted
Parker, Charlie
maker
Dwight, Ed
date made
1990
Credit Line
Gift of Calvin B. and Marilyn B. Gross
Physical Description
bronze (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 53 in x 21 in x 17 in; 134.62 cm x 53.34 cm x 43.18 cm
Object Name
sculpture