Historical information

Statue of Ruth is a religious reference to the harvest and to the importance of motherhood. Ruth was sculpted by Charles Summers a central figure in Australian art from the mid 19th Century. Summers was a founder of the Victorian Society of Fine Arts in 1856 and in 1863 he became a member of the commission of inquiry into the promotion of the fine arts in Victoria. He created many portraits and busts and is known for his bronze depiction of Burke and Wills in Melbourne

Significance

The sculpture is of historic and aesthetic significance to the people of Ballarat

Physical description

Marble sculptural depiction of the biblical figure Ruth

Inscriptions & markings

Presented to the City of Ballaarat by the following citizens./
H F Elliot Mayor/
The Hon E Morey MLC/
Cr C B Retallack/
Cr J Heinz/
Cr C C Shoppee/
J N Wilson/
T Stoddart/