323

SAINT-GAUDENS, AUGUSTUS

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:150.00 USD Estimated At:300.00 - 500.00 USD
SAINT-GAUDENS, AUGUSTUS
<b>323. AUGUSTUS SAINT-GAUDENS </b>(1848 - 1907) American sculptor of famous statues of Lincoln, Farragut, and Sherman, and designer of busts on American coinage. Rare illustrated A.L. (unsigned), 2pp. 8vo., [n.p., n.y.], to artist John LaFarge. In part: <i>"...I saw your work in Dr. Brooks' church again yesterday... The gold frames that have been placed around the paintings hurt the solemnity...in a singularly violent way to my eyes. Perhaps what you are going to do with the work above will modify it - but the simplicity of the effect on me the first day was seriously affected...I couldn't imagine what it was until I hit upon the frames...</i>". In an act of contrition for his harsh criticism of the frames, Saint-Gaudens adds a sketch of a grim executioner about to behead a kneeling condemned man, and adds beneath: "<i>Now you can behead me</i>". Very good.<b> $300-500</b>