Artist/Maker Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1848 - 1907)

The Puritan

1899

Bronze

Overall: 30 1/2 × 18 × 13 in. (77.5 × 45.7 × 33 cm)

Gift of Mr. James Hazen Hyde

1946.253

This sculpture is a scale reduction of the over life size bronze statue of deacon Samuel Chapin created for Sterns Square in Springfield, MA. Although Chapin's name appears on the base of the original figure, it is omitted on the reduction in favor of the generic title, "The Puritan." Saint-Gaudens's figure carries a large bible and strides forward forcefully, embodying the 19th century view of the Puritans as pioneers motivated by religious and political ideals.

DescriptionFigure. Dark brown/ black patinated bronze.

SignedSigned on base at right: "AUGUSTUS SAINT GAUDENS"

MarkingsDated on base at rear: "COPY BY / AUGUSTUS SAINT GAUDENS / MDCCCXCIX"

ClassificationsSCULPTURE

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