ARTIST STATEMENT

I have chosen Augustus Saint-Gaudens as the subject for my entry for the Salmagundi Library sculpture competition.

BIOGRAPHY

Saint-Gaudens’ life and works are well-documented and difficult to briefly summarize, which speaks to his wide-ranging talent and influence. The variety of mediums and approaches to sculpture he mastered over the course of his career is incredible. From cameos to reliefs to large- scale bronze monuments of influential leaders, soldiers, authors, idealized nudes, he solidified himself as the great American sculptor of the era. But more significantly, his work helped to change the perception of American artists internationally, and to literally define the visual and cultural identity of the country. His figures hold an allegorical power and presence which reference the great ancient artists of Greece and Rome, legitimizing and elevating the subject.

All that being said, another reason I have chosen Saint-Gaudens is that he clearly just had a phenomenal look. Such character, such a physical presence. How could you not want to sculpt that nose? In researching the Library at Salmagundi, seeing photos of the space, the palettes, the
other portraits, the incredible amount of information in the volumes lining the walls, I believe that Saint-Gaudens, with his accomplishments and persona, are a natural fit. I have tried to present him with a demeanor and presence that will reflect and hopefully also enhance the space, which, like his work, is itself a living piece of history.

DESCRIPTION

The finished maquette is 3/4 life-size, with dimensions of 13.5”H x 7”W x 8”D. Included in my submission are photos of the final clay as well as a painted aqua resin cast.

I have designed the piece so that the face is the main visual focus; chin forward, the shoulders angled slightly to his left, a somewhat minimalistic base, all leading the eye toward the strong, unique facial features, especially in profile. I aimed for an accurate portrait that still felt gestural and somewhat loose, with the modeling moderately rough to compliment and accentuate his facial forms, and to reflect light in more interesting ways than a smoothly modeled surface can.

His body fragmented like the ancient marbles that inspired him, his confident, steady gaze aimed toward the future of art in America that he helped to create.

Thank you very much for your consideration. The library really is an incredible place, and I can’t wait to see all of the other entries.