Written
by Q. David Bowers, Chairman Emeritus
The other day I received in the mail a colorful notice from the
Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site in Cornish, New Hampshire. As you probably
know, this was the home and studio of America’s most famous sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens
in the 1890s through to his passing on August 3, 1907. Along the way, beginning
in 1905, he set about fulfilling a commission given to him by President
Theodore Roosevelt, to redesign the entire American coinage from the cent to
the double eagle. As circumstances and ill health dictated, he was only able to
complete basic designs for the $10 Indian Head gold eagle and the MCMVII High
Relief double eagle. The finishing touches were added by his assistant, Henry
Hering, after Saint-Gaudens’ death. The new eagles were released in the autumn
of 1907 and the MCMVII double eagles in December. Today, both designs remain
favorites.
The Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site is open in the summer and
offers tours of his home and studio, including sketches, plaster casts, and
many other items relating to the coinage. In addition you will see a version of
the famous Shaw Memorial (the finished example of which stands on the Boston
Common across from the Massachusetts State House), the figure of Diana once on
top of Madison Square Garden, and much more. The site is a pleasant drive
through the countryside. Plan to spend a couple of hours during the visit and
bring your camera.
The notice told of special concerts and events to be held this
summer beginning in May, information concerning which is given here. If you
plan to go I guarantee you will have a nice time.
See you next week!
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