9. J. Seward Johnson’s Double Check (1982)
J. Seward Johnson’s 1982 sculpture Double Check is less notable for its subject than for its accidental involvement in one of the darkest days of New York’s history. Johnson became famous for his life-size bronze statues of ordinary people, and his sculpture of a seated businessman searching his briefcase is a quintessential representation of 1980s Wall Street. It depicts the figure double-checking his files, oversize calculator, and tape recorder before heading into a meeting.
The inconspicuous statue later became an impromptu memorial when it survived the nearby September 11 attacks. The life-like sculpture was found covered in debris, initially confusing first responders searching the rubble for survivors. After returning to Johnson’s studio for safekeeping, Double Check was reinstalled in Zuccotti Park still bearing dents and scratches as a memorial to the tragic event. It has since been moved a block away and bears a commemorative plaque chronicling its significance during the attacks.