Augustus Saint Gaudins

Happy Birthday Augustus Saint Gaudens!! Irish born in 1848, relief and sculptor, Gaudens was raised in New York City. Gaudens was known as an American Renaissance sculptor and sculpted several memorials in tribute to important historical figures including Grief, which I have chosen to feature here,  located in Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington DC.  It was commissioned by Henry Adams, author/historian and sits atop his wife's grave. He wished a rembrance that depicted "acceptance intellectually, of the inevitable". Of particular interest is the male and female qualities of the mysterious features. Eventually he was buried beside her and finally the sculpture was placed above them. Gaudens also designed coins of particular note, including the twenty dollar double eagle gold piece minted in this country from 1905-1907, considered the most beautiful coin ever minted.

 Relief-a picture that is raised or protrudes slightly from the picture plane. A coin is a prime example.