Finding ‘Truth’
From left: Naomi Ingraldi, Alan Mounier, Jacqueline Sandro-Greenwell, Randolph Wilfong, and Lisa Weatheril with the “Truth” sculpture at Clay College in Millville.
“Truth” is found in unexpected places. By Naomi Ingraldi, Vineland Historical and Antiquarian Society Trustee
On a muggy Wednesday morning, “Truth” was found gazing down on Millville’s Vine Street from the second floor of the Arts and Innovation Center of Clay College at Rowan College of South Jersey. As a firm believer in kismet, “Truth” and I were meant to cross paths.
“Truth’s” correct title is “Truth, Emerging Pure from the Crystalline Waters of Man’s Conscience, Sternly Shows the Way.” She is a three-foot-tall female sculpture made of plaster. She stands unclothed and barefooted upon a craggy rock formation, with her right arm raised above her head. Her right hand clutches a vanity (hand) mirror that reflects outward. Sadly, her right hand and mirror are missing from this statue. Her solemn expression shows her ambivalence about man. This wonderful sculpture was made by Professor Louis Jules Gabriel Boussard Mounier (1852–1937) in 1936, at age 84.
How do I know about “Truth”? A smaller version of this sculpture is on display at the Vineland Historical and Antiquarian Society (VHAS). Alan Mounier, the great-grandson of Louis Mounier, is a VHAS board trustee.
Assuming this sculpture to be a copy, possibly created by a student, I snapped a few photos and texted them to Alan. Disbelief and astonishment best describe Alan’s reaction. He had to see it in person.
Jacqueline Sandro-Greenwell, director of Fine Arts and director of Clay College, and Lisa Weatherill, studio technician, met with Alan as he examined the sculpture, took measurements and photos, and related fascinating details about the life and work of Professor Louis Mounier. Randolph Wilfong, administrative assistant, recalls the sculpture and miscellaneous art supplies were donated to Clay College about a year ago. “Truth” was moved to the sculpture classroom on the second floor to be used as a model, because it is a good example of form.
The story of “Truth” goes even further. The best rendering of the sculpture was donated to the Vineland Historical Society in 1988 by the late Thomas Pease. The donor’s sister has a photo of this sculpture from the “Autobiographical Sketch Booklet” of Louis Mounier. Despite searching, “Truth” was unable to be located at the museum, and no record of deaccessioning can be found. Her whereabouts remain unknown.
Sandro-Greenwell generously suggested that “Truth” belongs at the Vineland Historical Society; in the coming weeks, she will be carefully wrapped and transported to VHAS, where she will be placed on display.
This writer gratefully acknowledges the kindness and generosity of Jacqueline Sandro-Greenwell and her staff at Clay College.
The Arts and Innovation Center is located at 321 N. High Street in Millville. Vineland Historical Society is located at 108 S. Seventh Street in Vineland.
