The sculpture is a bronze statue commissioned in honor of University alumnus, James Rogers McConnell’s heroism and courage in World War I, as a member of the Lafayette Escadrille.
The Aviator was designed by Gutzon Borglum and dedicated in 1919.
The sculpture measures 12 feet high and 8 feet, 6 inches wide.[3]
It is located in front of Clemons Library on the grounds of the University of Virginia. Due to the library's abundant 24-hour study space available for students, The Aviator is a fixture in everyday life at the University.[4]
It is an athletic male nude with his feet placed shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent and arms outstretched supporting a pair of wings.[5] The blade/knife; dirk or possible dagger/stiletto the figure has in his sheath is a recognized symbol of masculinity and of a warrior.[6][7]
^"The Aviator, (sculpture)". Inventory of American Sculpture. Smithsonian Institution. Archived from the original on 11 October 2014. Retrieved 29 May 2013.
^"UVA Library". www.library.virginia.edu. Archived from the original on 2016-04-22. Retrieved 2021-07-17.