Robert Gould Shaw Memorial c. 1973 - 2008

Richard Benson's "Robert Gould Shaw Memorial" is a black and white photograph capturing a detail of the famous monument in Boston, Massachusetts. The photograph was taken between 1973 and 2008, and shows a close-up of Colonel Shaw, the leader of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, an all-Black unit that fought in the Civil War. Benson's photograph focuses on Shaw's face and uniform, highlighting the detail of the sculpture, the texture of the stone, and the powerful symbolism of this historical figure. This work is an example of Benson's meticulous and detailed photographic approach, capturing the essence of the monument and its historical significance.