The Lebanese-American artist, writer, and philosopher Kahlil Gibran immigrated to the United States in 1895, at the age of 12. While living in Boston, he wrote and illustrated his most famous book, The Prophet, a poetic treatise on such topics as family, religion, and death. Gibran’s relative and godson—also named Kahlil and himself a celebrated local artist—designed this memorial to honor his relative and placed it near the Boston Public Library, where the elder Gibran did much of his research and writing. The sculptor portrays his cousin as a youthful and reflective man in a pose that brings to mind depictions of philosophers and theologians throughout the centuries. Sculptures by the younger Gibran can be found in public spaces and museums throughout the country.