THADDEUS
STEVENS
"Men in Pursuit of Justice Must Never Despair"
GETTYSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA | 2022
A life-size bronze monument honoring the abolitionist, Father of the 14th Amendment, Congressman and champion of equal rights.
CLIENT
Thaddeus Stevens Society
LOCATION
Adams County Courthouse
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
MEDIUM
Bronze
SCALE
Life-size 6'
COMMISSIONED
August 28, 2019
UNVEILED
April 2, 2022
A MONUMENT TO A LIFE OF CONVICTION
I was selected from 20 proposals in a nationwide search by the Thaddeus Stevens Society to create a life-size monument honoring abolitionist, Father of the 14th Amendment and Congressman Thaddeus Stevens. Unveiled on April 2nd, 2022, to commemorate Stevens' 230th birthday anniversary. The bronze monument was unveiled in front of the Adams County Courthouse in downtown Gettysburg; it became the first public monument to Stevens in Gettysburg and only the second bronze monument to him in the nation.
The location carries special meaning. Stevens began his legal career in Gettysburg and lived there for more than two decades. Today, the monument stands at ground level along Baltimore Street, returning his presence to the community he once called home.
My goal was not simply to capture his likeness, but to create a portrait of conviction—a man listening to the people, standing against resistance, and always moving forward in pursuit of justice.
THE STORY WITHIN THE SCULPTURE
April 2, 2022, was proclaimed "Thaddeus Stevens Statue Dedication Day" by the Adams County Board of Commissioners
THE TILTED HEAD
Stevens's head tilts subtly to his right—listening to the people, hearing their voices, and using his own to speak on their behalf.
THE 14TH AMENDMENT
Held close to his heart—a symbol of equality and citizenship Stevens fought to secure for generations yet to come.
THE WIND-SWEPT COAT
The wind pushes against him, symbolizing the resistance he faced—and his determination to keep moving forward.
THE FORWARD STEP
Stepping forward on his club foot, Stevens turns a lifelong physical challenge into a symbol of perseverance—always moving forward, never surrendering.
FROM CLAY TO BRONZE
Maquette
Armature
Clay Sculpting
Mold Making
Foundry
Patina
Installation
Unveiling
Working with Alex Paul Loza has been an absolute pleasure and I have been very impressed with his creativity and energy. In preparing his proposal for the Thaddeus Stevens statue, Loza did extensive research on Stevens and was able to capture his vitality and idealism in the model he made for his submission. After winning the commission against other national entries, Loza has been unfailingly cooperative, meeting all deadlines and incorporating all suggestions into his sculpture. As a result, he produced a statue that completely captures the greatness of Thaddeus Stevens. I wholeheartedly recommend Loza and any group would be extremely fortunate to employ him."
— ROSS HETRICK
President
Thaddeus Stevens Society
NATIONAL RECOGNITION
PRESS & MEDIA
Have a story, legacy or historical figure worth preserving in bronze?
