Augustus Saint-Gaudens

Making of the Memorial The Sculptor: Augustus Saint-Gaudens

Item contributed by Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park

Born in Ireland, Augustus Saint-Gaudens immigrated to New York City with his family when under a year old. While young, Saint-Gaudens began to learn his craft as a cameo cutter before studying sculpting abroad. He returned to the United States in 1875 and soon became a well regarded sculptor. In 1882, Saint-Gaudens earned the commission for the Robert Gould Shaw 54th Massachusetts Regiment Memorial. It took him 14 years to complete his masterpiece. His vision and technique brought life-like qualities and stirring emotions to the bronze bas relief.