Today we take a ride to St. Gauden's National Historic Site. It is in Cornish, NH about 1/2 hour drive.
A covered bridge - glad we don't have the 5th Wheel with us!
and before you know it we are there
Anywhere outside in Nature or an Art Gallery is my Happy Place - this is both!
The Site contains the home, studios and gardens of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, one of America’s greatest sculptors. Over 100 of his artworks are displayed throughout the site.
We take the path to the Visitor's Center from the parking lot
Along the way is the Stable and Ice House
We head into the Visitor's Center to watch the informational Movie.
Outside is a replica of his famous 12' tall Statue of Lincoln which unveiled in Chicago Lincoln Park in 1887. It was the first sculpture he did here in Cornish. It has been described as the most important sculpture of Lincoln
from the 19th century.
We head first to the home before it closes for lunch time. We walk through tall hedges of Hemlock and Pine.
His home was built in 1817 as an Inn. He named it Aspet after his father's birthplace in France. He added the dormers and columned porch.
A formal Italian Garden is outside
Across the way is the little studio built in 1904 which replaced a barn converted to a studio in 1885.
He did beautiful portrait reliefs.
He started out as an apprentice for a Cameo Maker and designed the 1904 $10 and $20 Gold pieces and one cent coin.
The Adams Memorial commissioned by Historian Henry Adams
for his wife Clover's grave.
Next we check out the Ravine Studio
where the Artist In Residence is working
Beyond that is the Temple designed in 1905 as a set for a play honoring the 20th anniversary of his arrival in Cornish It now houses the family's ashes.
Next is his final version of the Shaw Memorial. The original took him 14 years to complete. It is a monument to the Civil War service of the Massachusetts 54th Regiment of African American Volunteers in Boston,
It is amazing in it's detail in relief.
We continue to the New Gallery and Atrium.
Gary admires the Farrugut Monument - St. Gaudens first commissioned public monument commemorating Civil War Admiral Farragut. The pedestal was a collaboration with Architect Stanford White.
The Atrium and Pool
Another Lincoln - seated.
Sketches and plaster models for the Shaw Memorial
The Pilgrim - 1904
Another Lincoln Bust. St. Gauden was impressed with Lincoln
when he saw him en route to his Presidential Inauguration
as a young boy.
The adjoining Gallery houses a history of his wife - Augusta Homer Saint Guaden's - life and art works. She left him after learning of his affair and child with one of his models. They never divorced but lived separately. She was the force behind preserving his Legacy after his death from cancer.
A walk through the cutting garden on the way out.
If you are ever anywhere near Cotnish, NH it is a must see.
We stop at the Snack Bar across from the Campground for lunch
and split the Seafood Plate with Fish, Whole Belly clams and Scallops. Yum!
A fantastic day!
You found another American treasure. Loves the gardens with sculptures! Thanks for sharing.
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