Looking at the pictures, it's Stephen Foster who looks awkward, perched in an uncomfortable position, looking as if he is liable to fall off any minute. The banjo player is sitting comfortably and at ease.

If the face was Pete Seeger's, say, would any think that the man was seated subserviently? And it’s a good head on that statue, it wa made with respect for the sitter, and implicitly for the music he's making. Stephen Foster looks a bit of an afterthought.