Robert Louis Stevenson 1887 - 1910

Augustus Saint-Gaudens created this bronze relief of Robert Louis Stevenson. Consider the medallion format. The circular boundary contains a rectangular scene that depicts the author in a moment of thoughtful repose. Note how the lines of Stevenson's reclining body and the chair's structure are echoed by the wooden frame, creating a sense of enclosure. This design invites contemplation on the interplay between the individual and their environment. The bronze medium, with its subtle gradations of light and shadow, emphasizes the surface texture, giving the piece a tactile quality. The choice of bronze also adds a sense of gravity. Stevenson's form is subtly destabilized by the background text, which adds a layer of complexity to the composition. Consider how this bronze relief challenges traditional notions of portraiture, inviting us to reflect on the relationship between form, medium, and meaning.