The Figures
The Figures is a life-size sculpted element that represents a family unit: a mother, father and child. They exemplify the courage and resilience of those who survived the brutal Middle Passage and created new families in the Virginia colony in the 1600s. The sculptor, Brian Owens, was inspired by the story shared by the descendants of Antoney and Isabella, two of the more than thirty enslaved men and women forcefully brought to Virginia in 1619. Their child, William Tucker, is recorded in the 1624/1625 Virginia census, and is the first documented child of African descent baptized in the colony. Historical research determined those brought on the White Lion to Point Comfort came from the Kingdom of Ndongo and Kingdom of Kongo, in Angola. The languages they spoke may have been Kimbundu, Kikongo and/or Portuguese. They brought with them the knowledge and skills that contributed to the survival of the colony. They also brought with them their culture that informed the creation of a new ethnic group.
At each step of the process in creating the Figures numerous experts were consulted, and hundreds of members of the public were shown the evolution of thought and artistry. Public input was an important part of determining the appearance of the Figures. From the earliest drawings to the final model, changes were made.
The Figures 1/12″ scale model, January 2026
Early Sketches and Clay Modelling
As the artist began to develop the sculpture, he envisioned three elements: the Relief, the Arc and the Figures. He began the process of drawing each element and then creating the models. The early drawings showed little detail and emphasized scale and concepts as opposed to specifics on clothing or facial figures.
A maquette of the Figures was first sculpted out of clay and then scanned to create a 3D model that was replicated in hard plastic.
The maquette of the Figures was unveiled at a Fort Monroe Board of Trustees meeting in April 2024. Engagement with the models also included the descendant community and partners. During these engagement sessions, the clothing worn by the figures was a focal point of conversation. Some community members felt that the garments did not reflect the status of the individuals as they were brought into the Virginia colony, or that they looked too English.
Fort Monroe Authority staff embarked on further research with subject matter experts at the Jamestown Settlement’s historic interpretation costuming department. During these research sessions, dozens of photographs were taken, primary source documents consulted, and in-depths discussions produced a deeper look into the importance of clothing during the colonial period. Clothing was a precious commodity that would be mended, patched, and passed down rather than simply tossed aside.
Based on community engagement, feedback from the public and partners, and further research, in November 2024 updates were made, and a new clay scale model of the Figures was created.
The new maquettes were scanned and produced with the hard plastic. The updated designs show the female figure wearing a kirtle and apron as a working woman would have worn, and a head wrap in an interpretive African style. The male figure is wearing a looser well-worn shirt and breeches denoting active work.
Brian’s next steps included rough renderings in foam before sculpting full-scale models in clay.
The Foundry
In May 2026, the completed full-scale clay sculptures were delivered to the foundry in Kentucky. They will be cast in bronze.
