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Alexander von Humboldt

Frederick Heinrich Alexander von Humboldt (1769 - 1859) was a German scientist, explorer and naturalist who's pioneering work was the foundation for many 19th century theories of matter and the universe. This bronze bust of Humboldt is by Gustaf Blaeser (1813 - 1874), a sculptor who knew Humboldt and used his death mask as a reference. The monument was donated by the Humboldt Memorial Association and dedicated at 59th Street and Fifth Avenue on September 14, 1869. The monument was moved to this more appropriate location across from the Museum of Natural History in 1981. (reference)

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