Preliminary Study for The Shaw 54th Regiment Memorial

1883

Augustus Saint-Gaudens

Associated Names
Augustus Saint-Gaudens

Artist, American, born Ireland, 1848 - 1907

The sculpture depicts a scene of a mounted figure on a horse in mid-stride. Surrounding the central figure are several more figures in various positions. The composition is in low relief, causing the subjects to subtly rise from the background. The material appears to be a white, stone-like substance, giving it a monochromatic and smooth finish. The sculpture is a rectangular slab with a curved top. At the base of the slab, there is a small additional sculpture of an animal integrated into the relief. The level of detail is moderate, where figures are identifiable but not intricately finished, creating a sense of an archaic or primitive style.

Media Options

Skip thumbnail navigation Back to thumbnail navigation
This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
On View

West Building Main Floor, Gallery M66


Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1997

  • Augustus Saint-Gaudens' Memorial to Robert Gould Shaw and the Massachusetts Fifty-fourth Regiment, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1997-1998.

2013

  • Tell It with Pride: The 54th Massachusetts Regiment and Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ Shaw Memorial, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2013 - 2014, no. 58.

Wikidata ID

Q63861655

You may be interested in

Loading Results