March 1st, 1848
Augustus Saint-Gaudens, one of the most renowned American sculptors of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on March 1, 1848, in Dublin, Ireland, to a French father and an Irish mother, Saint-Gaudens moved to the United States with his family when he was an infant.
Augustus Saint-Gaudens made significant contributions to American sculpture with his works that blend Beaux-Arts classicism and American Renaissance realism. He is best known for his monuments, memorials, and various public statues, which often commemorated American heroes and historical events. Among his most famous works are:
The Robert Gould Shaw Memorial in Boston, which honors Shaw and the African American soldiers of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. This bas-relief is considered one of his masterpieces for its emotional depth and realistic portrayal of the soldiers.
The Standing Lincoln statue in Chicago’s Lincoln Park, which is acclaimed for its portrayal of Abraham Lincoln as both a strong leader and a compassionate human being. This work helped to redefine the public image of Lincoln in American culture.
The Adams Memorial in Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington, D.C., created to commemorate Marian “Clover” Hooper Adams. This haunting and contemplative sculpture, sometimes referred to as “Grief,” showcases Saint-Gaudens’ ability to convey complex emotions through his art.
The Sherman Monument at the Grand Army Plaza in New York, which portrays General William Tecumseh Sherman on horseback, led by the allegorical figure of Victory. This grand monument exemplifies Saint-Gaudens’ skill in creating dynamic, heroic figures.
Augustus Saint-Gaudens also designed several coins for the US Mint, including the $20 double eagle gold coin, which is considered one of the most beautiful American coins ever minted.
Saint-Gaudens’ influence extended beyond his own works through his teaching and mentoring of young artists. He was a key figure in the American Renaissance movement, which sought to elevate American art and architecture to world renown. Augustus Saint-Gaudens passed away on August 3, 1907, in Cornish, New Hampshire, leaving a lasting legacy in American art.
