FDR: Gold – ArtQuest 2017

Richard (Sensei) entered this amazing art piece into the ArtQuest 2017 hosted by Figurementors.com and won first place in the Large Single Figure category. This is a very interesting art piece as it involves a history lesson on Roosevelt himself.

Using Miniatures for Education

This project was inspired by the sculpture of Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) by Terrible Kids Stuff. Not only was the unique approach to the subject matter captivating, but the immersion into the history of the character became a journey in itself. I decided that in my research of the character, I wanted to embed some of those facts into the piece.

Terrible Kids Stuff – ROOSEVELT

Category: Gangster’s Planet

Concept: Andrea Jula

Sculptor: Benoit Cauchies

Painter(Boxart): Fabrizio Russo

Material: White Metal

Pieces: 17

Scale: 1:32 (54mm)

The History Lesson

So, let’s begin our history lesson. First up, who is the man Franklin D. ROOSEVELT?

1: Four Terms

FDR is the only President in US history to have sat for four terms, serving the office from 1933 until his death in 1945. He was the 32^nd President of the United States.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franklin_D._Roosevelt

2: First Attempt & Lost

FDR first ran for vice presidency in 1920 and lost. To further emphasize the loss, the number faces downward on the grenade.

3: Secretary

His office achieved in military service was as Secretary of the Navy in 1913 soon after the breakout of WW1.

4: Yes, Governor

Nominated as the Governor of New York, serving from 1928 – 1932

5: 21PL

Diagnosed with Polio initially although his symptoms reflected Guillain–Barré syndrome – an autoimmune neuropathy which Roosevelt’s doctors failed to consider as a diagnostic possibility in those times. He was left paralysed from the waist down and confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

6: Wheels??

A lovely twist on the wheelchair, by bringing the steampunk element, into the scene.

 7: Elected 33 and Served 4

Initially, FDR’s terms were successful, instituting numerous fiduciary changes like the New Deal and addressing the depression that hit the American economy. Then, WW2 and constituents wanted confidence in their leader in this time of war. He eventually sat four terms, something that can never be replicated as the laws were changed soon after his death and hence no President can serve more than two terms of Presidency.

FDR was first elected into office in 1933.

8: Appropriate Chariot, please!!

Since his steam-powered vehicle carries the most important individual during a time of war, his vehicle should be appropriately marked. Hence the five star General rank, for the highest office of Chief of the Armed Forces.

Richard (Sensei)