Captain Rocky Versace Statue

Posted on by Eric Spiegel

5653785029 5280a7163b Captain Rocky Versace Statue

This is a close up of the facial detail of the statue dedicated to Captain Humbert Roque “Rocky” Versace.  The Medal of Honor winner is immortalized in bronze outside of the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center in Del Ray, VA.  Artist Antonio Mendez created this piece of public art.

I really enjoy taking shots of statues and their details like this.  I think this tends to emphasize the textures and details that go into creating art in this manner.  I also like to do this so see how the art has held up to the elements over time.

The left eye of this statue is the most disturbing part of this photo for me.  I’m not sure if this was how the artist wanted Capt. Versace to be seen, or if this is just wear and tear from being a piece of public art.

I shot this as a part of a small photography feature for the Del Ray Patch.



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  • http://visitalexandriava.com/listings/index.cfm?action=display&listingID=1577&hit=1 K Rue

    Hi Mr Spiegel,
    I am a member of the “Friends of Rocky Versace.”
    Thank you for your picture of Rocky on yor website from the CPT Rocky Versace Plaza and Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in Alexandria (Del Ray).
    For your information, the damage to the left eye of Rocky’s statue is just that – damage. The FoRV believe someone vandalized Rocky’s statue sometime following the Memorial’s unveiling on 6 Jul 2002. That is NOT the way the sculptor/artist, Toby Mendez, intentioned Rocky to look nor is it “wear and tear.”
    Lastly, thanks to public donations and a contribution of money from the Alexandria Parks Dept to perform needed preventive maintenance at this public Memorial , the “Friends of Rocky Versace” will re-dedicate the Versace Plaza/Memorial on 30 May 2011, Memorial Day.

    Warm regards,
    Kevin Rue
    “Friends of Rocky Versace”

    • http://ericspiegelphotography.wordpress.com/ Eric Spiegel

      Thanks for the clarification Kevin!

  • http://youvebeenhooked.wordpress.com The Hook

    That eye is very distracting – and creepy! Still, the work has a quiet strength, just like the subject.

  • http://141trading.com/investment investment

    He looks really scary!

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  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Diana-Bowling/100003110020118 Diana Bowling

    I am looking for any living relative of Soldier Capt. Joseph E. Davies! ForSee, I have a POW Bracelet that I purchased in late 60′s and I have always wanted to give it to family! I proudly wore it for all this time! I found out he is on this Memorial Wall! Please someone let me know! Thank You! Diana Bowling, North Vernon, Indiana!!!