Augustus Saint-Gaudens

Kenyon Cox

Created:
Movement:
1908
Realism
key Notes:
Neoclassical Portraiture, Sculptural Realism
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Dimensions:
33 1/2 x 47 1/8 in. (85.1 x 119.7 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

"Augustus Saint-Gaudens" is a painting by American artist Kenyon Cox, created in 1887, with a replica produced in 1908. The work depicts the prominent American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, known for his contributions to the Beaux-Arts movement and his iconic public monuments. Cox was a member of the American Academy in Rome and was influenced by classical themes and techniques. The painting reflects the artist's admiration for Saint-Gaudens and highlights the significance of the sculptor's work in American art. The original painting is housed in a private collection, while the 1908 replica is part of the collection at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. The context of the painting within the late 19th-century American art scene underscores the interplay between painting and sculpture during this period. Further details about the specific circumstances of its commission or exhibition history remain unknown.

Description of the work:

"Augustus Saint-Gaudens" by Kenyon Cox, created in 1887 with a replica produced in 1908, is an oil on canvas portrait that captures the renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The composition features a seated figure, depicted in a three-quarter view, exuding a sense of contemplation and dignity. Cox employs a muted color palette dominated by earthy tones, which enhances the naturalism of the subject. The play of light and shadow across Saint-Gaudens' face and clothing adds depth and dimension, emphasizing his thoughtful expression. The background is rendered in soft, indistinct hues, allowing the figure to remain the focal point of the work. The brushwork is smooth and refined, reflecting the academic style of the late 19th century. Overall, the painting conveys a sense of reverence for the artist, highlighting both his physical presence and the intellectual gravitas associated with his contributions to American art.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Augustus Saint-Gaudens