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Lot Essay
William Dean Howells (1837-1920) was an important literary figure in America, working as both a novelist and an editor in Boston and New York. Howells is depicted here with his daughter Mildred (1873-1966), a painter, watercolorist and poet who illustrated some of her father's books. Saint-Gaudens met the Howells in 1890 and later became friends. The original relief, measuring 23 x 26 in. (58.4 x 91.4 cm.), was modeled in New York in 1897 and later reduced in Paris.
Elizabeth Willard, to whom the bronze is dedicated, was a member of the prominent American family which founded the Willard Hotel in Washington D.C. Belle Willard, most likely Elizabeth's sister, was a close friend of the artist and his only son, Homer. It is perhaps this association which led the artist to gift the present work to Elizabeth Willard.
Elizabeth Willard, to whom the bronze is dedicated, was a member of the prominent American family which founded the Willard Hotel in Washington D.C. Belle Willard, most likely Elizabeth's sister, was a close friend of the artist and his only son, Homer. It is perhaps this association which led the artist to gift the present work to Elizabeth Willard.