Who sculpted the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park?

The Bethesda Fountain in Central Park was sculpted by Emma Stebbins, making her the first woman to receive a public commission for a major sculpture in New York City. The fountain features a winged angel holding a lily, symbolizing purity and healing. This design was inspired by the biblical story of the Pool of Bethesda, known for its healing waters. Stebbins's work is notable not only for its artistic merit but also for the significance of having a woman artist recognized in a field predominantly occupied by men at that time. This choice of artist underscores the progressive nature of the project during the time it was created in the mid-19th century.