The original "The Spartan" statue was erected on campus in 1945.   It was sculpted by Leonard Jungwirth, an assistant professor in the Department of Art and Art History.

Since bronze was still scarce because of World War II, it was constructed of three large terra cotta clay sections that were joined together on site.

At 9 feet 7 inches tall, "The Spartan" was believed to be the largest free-standing terra cotta sculpture in the world.

After 60 years of exposure to Michigan weather, in spite of annual conservation efforts, it became impossible to preserve the original clay sculpture.

Impressions were taken directly from the original statue to make a mold for casting a new bronze replacement.   In the Spring of 2005, the original "Sparty" was carefully moved to the atrium lobby of the new Stadium Tower.

One of the world's premiere bronze art foundries, The Artworks Foundry in Berkeley, California, cast the new sculpture which was installed in August of 2005.

Order your own "Spartan" now only from University Replicas!