Off with her head: The representation of women in public sculpture

Public statues and memorials play an important role in shaping collective memory and identity. This article explores the gendered dimension of public sculpture by examining two dominant constructs of women in public memorials: woman as victim and woman as tragic hero. The article will examine the ways in which gendered processes and relationships create, reproduce and transform public space. This article will argue that depictions of women in public sculpture and memorial influence discourses and representations about sex and gender.