Augustus Saint-Gaudens (American, born Ireland, 1848–1907). <em>Head from the Adams Memorial</em>, 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. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 23.256.jpg)

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. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 23.256.jpg)

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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.

Head from the Adams Memorial

Augustus Saint-Gaudens

American Art

On View: Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor

ARTIST Augustus Saint-Gaudens, American, born Ireland, 1848–1907

MEDIUM Bronze

Place Made: United States

DATES modeled 1891, copyrighted 1908

DIMENSIONS 19 5/16 x 12 x 7 1/2 in. (49.1 x 30.5 x 19.1cm) (show scale)

SIGNATURE 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"

COLLECTIONS American Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 23.256

CREDIT LINE Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Bust of female with closed eyes, shrouded with heavy, hooded drapery; on rectangular pedestal base. Condition: Good.

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor

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. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 23.256.jpg)

IMAGE overall, 23.256.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph

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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY

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