Augustus Saint-Gaudens: Sculptor of the Gilded Age

The Irish-born Augustus Saint-Gaudens came to this country as a small child and over the course of his career and life, reaching into the early years of the 20th century, became an artist that truly defined a look for America in sculpture.

His extraordinary natural talent grew into a master artist who was able to create lifelike depictions in marble and bronze that brought a realism never before seen in American sculpture. Saint-Gaudens style combines realistic imagery, allegory and architectural elements to create unique and very modern experiences for viewers.

He's perhaps best known for his monumental casts of Civil War heroes from Admiral Daniel Farragut, General William Tecumsek Sherman and President Abraham Lincoln.

Joining The Gilded Gentleman for this episode is Thayer Tolles, the Marica F. Vilcek Curator of American Painting and Sculpture at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. Thayer is a noted historian, writer and specialist in Saint-Gaudens life and work. This episode offers a full view of Saint-Gaudens extraordinary life and a detailed look at some of his most famous works.

Listeners can also visit the Saint Gaudens National Historical Park in Cornish, New Hampshire.