Hermon A MacNeil

When it was first displayed at the National Academy of Design in 1912, the sculpture was initially known as "Inspiration." MacNeil described it as "symbolizing the mystery of artistic creation."

"Into the Unknown," as it is known today, portrays the sculptor in the form of a winged female figure, holding chisel and mallet, in the process of carving herself out of the stone.

MacNeil's work proved extremely popular. The National Sculpture Society chose a design based on this sculpture as its emblem in 1923 and still uses it today (in a modernized design). Its Gold Medal which is awarded at the Annual Exhibition is also based on MacNeil's work.

The statue resides at Brookgreen Gardens.

Many thanks to Elizabeth Helms from the National Sculpture Society for the image of the statue.