Louise Adele Gould 1893 - 1894

This is Augustus Saint-Gaudens's marble relief of Louise Adele Gould. Saint-Gaudens used the Carrara marble's smooth, luminous quality to full effect here. The work is an excellent example of bas-relief, a technique that demands tremendous skill. The sculptor coaxes an image out of a flat surface, creating depth and volume with the shallowest of cuts. The stone has been carefully worked to create a contrast between the smoothness of the face, and the intricate folds of the veil and gown. Marble has been used since antiquity for commemorative sculpture like this. The material signifies permanence and value, which, of course, communicates the status of the sitter. While the artist completed his own sculpture, assistants would often be responsible for the more laborious carving work. This division of labor was common in sculptural workshops of the time. Paying attention to materials, making, and context allows us to appreciate the complex meanings embedded within this beautiful artwork, while challenging distinctions between fine art and craft.