I took this photo at Cooper Square, which houses the college of architecture and art known as Cooper Union. The statute commemorates the founder of the college, named Peter Cooper. He was industrialist,  philanthropist and inventor. He is honored for establishing and founding the college Cooper Union. Through research, I also found out that he invented Jello! And his wife is the mastermind behind why some jello has fruit in it.

I like the statue, because when I saw it I immediately thought of Abraham Lincoln’s memorial statue in Washington D.C., probably because they are seated similarly. His placement is suited well, because he can be seen from most angles of the square. I think I would have liked it if he was holding a cup of jello in his hand instead of a staff/walking stick.

Source: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/cooper-triangle/monuments/328