Lot Essay
Saint-Gaudens modeled the first version of his portrait relief of Stevenson in 1887, reworking it in various shapes and sizes throughout his career.
Details
AUGUSTUS SAINT-GAUDENS (1848-1907)
A Bronze Portrait Tondo of Robert Louis Stevenson
inscribed in raised letters with excerpt from 'Underwoods' by Stevenson, similarly inscribed TO.ROBERT.LOVIS STEVENSON AVGVSTVS.SAINT-GAVDENS and stamped MDCCC XCV
17½in. (44.5cm.) diameter, greenish brown patina, in original wood frame
A Bronze Portrait Tondo of Robert Louis Stevenson
inscribed in raised letters with excerpt from 'Underwoods' by Stevenson, similarly inscribed TO.ROBERT.LOVIS STEVENSON AVGVSTVS.SAINT-GAVDENS and stamped MDCCC XCV
17½in. (44.5cm.) diameter, greenish brown patina, in original wood frame
Provenance
Stanley Isaacs, circa 1900
By descent through the family
By descent through the family
Literature
The National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Augustus Saint-Gaudens: The Portrait Reliefs, New York, 1969, nos. 39-41
J.H. Dryfhout, 'Robert Louis Stevenson', Metamorphoses in Nineteenth Century Sculpture, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1975, pp. 197-200
J.H. Dryfhout, The Work of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, Hanover, New Hampshire, 1982, cat. no. 133
K. Greenthal, Augustus Saint-Gaudens, Master Sculptor, Boston, 1985, pp. 119-121
J.H. Dryfhout, 'Robert Louis Stevenson', Metamorphoses in Nineteenth Century Sculpture, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1975, pp. 197-200
J.H. Dryfhout, The Work of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, Hanover, New Hampshire, 1982, cat. no. 133
K. Greenthal, Augustus Saint-Gaudens, Master Sculptor, Boston, 1985, pp. 119-121