Head from the Adams Memorial
Brooklyn Museum photograph
Caption
Augustus Saint-Gaudens (American, born Ireland, 1848–1907). Head from the Adams Memorial, modeled 1891, copyrighted 1908. Bronze, 19 5/16 x 12 x 7 1/2 in. (49.1 x 30.5 x 19.1cm). Brooklyn Museum, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund, 23.256. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Collection
Collection
Artist
Title
Head from the Adams Memorial
Date
modeled 1891, copyrighted 1908
Geography
Place made: United States
Medium
Bronze
Classification
Dimensions
19 5/16 x 12 x 7 1/2 in. (49.1 x 30.5 x 19.1cm)
Signatures
In relief on proper right side of base: "A ST G [initials in monogram] FECIT. M.D.C.C.C.LXXXXI" and inscribed on lower edge of bust at proper right: "COPYRIGHT . BY . A . H . SAINT-GAUDENS . 1908"
Credit Line
Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund
Accession Number
23.256
Frequent Art Questions
Who is this supposed to be and why are they cloaked?
This is a bust from a such larger sculpture of a seated figure by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The entire statue is part of a memorial to the wife of historian Henry Adams.Some scholars have linked the robe-covered head to the Japanese depictions of the Buddhist figure Kannon, who is often shown in such a way. Kannon represents the concept of compassion.Was she widely known as a compassionate person? Or was that smothering adapted at the time for women?Her husband was interested in Buddhism and asked that Saint-Gaudens look towards Buddhist imagery when making the memorial, specifically to the idea of Kannon.
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