The sculpture is based on a real-life photograph that remained anonymous for decades before Greta Zimmer Friedman and George Mendonsa were identified as the subjects.
The bronze casting process for this specific sculpture was completed at the Johnson Atelier in New Jersey.
Seward Johnson, the artist, was a grandson of the co-founder of Johnson & Johnson.
This installation is one of several 'Unconditional Surrender' statues created by Johnson, with versions appearing in other cities like San Diego and Civitavecchia, Italy.
The statue is anchored to a concrete pad to withstand the high wind speeds associated with Florida hurricane seasons.
The sailor's pose was modeled after the original photograph, while the nurse's pose was modified to ensure structural balance for the bronze material.
Unconditional Surrender is a 25-foot-tall bronze sculpture located in Sarasota’s Bayfront Park, depicting the iconic V-J Day embrace between a sailor and a nurse. Created by artist Seward Johnson, the statue is a life-sized interpretation of Alfred Eisenstaedt’s famous 1945 photograph taken in Times Square. It was originally installed in Sarasota in 2005 as part of a temporary exhibit but became a permanent fixture due to community support. The sculpture weighs approximately 7,000 pounds and was cast in sections before being assembled on-site. It serves as a tribute to the end of World War II and the optimism of the post-war era. The location offers unobstructed views of Sarasota Bay, positioned to catch the coastal breeze. It is a popular public landmark maintained by the City of Sarasota's Parks and Recreation department.
Position yourself on the northern side of the statue to capture the profiles of both the sailor and the nurse against the backdrop of the Sarasota Bay horizon.
Visit during sunset for ideal lighting conditions that silhouette the statue against the bay water.
Combine your visit with a walk along the adjacent marina paths for a full view of the bayfront.
Check the local weather forecast, as the open waterfront location is highly exposed to wind and direct sun.
Avoid visiting during active tropical storm warnings, as the park is low-lying and susceptible to coastal flooding.
Public park etiquette applies; do not attempt to climb or deface the bronze surface.
