Existing comment:
Judicial Commissions:
Saint-Gaudens' judicial portraits are examples of his fine artistry and illustrate the breadth of his sculptural work. A wide range of techniques were employed by the sculptor, including high relief, low relief, and sculpture in the round. While some works were carved in marble, others were cast in bronze.
Chief Justice Roger B. Taney:
When the bill to authorize a marble bust of Taney was introduced in 1865, it was met with outrage in the Senate Chamber. Senator Charles Sumner exclaimed, "I object to that; that now an emancipated country should make a bust to the author of the Dred Scott Decision." The bill was defeated, but a bust of Taney was later authorized in 1874.
Saint-Gaudens was selected to create a "faithful copy of the head" from an existing statue of Taney by William H. Rinehart (1825-1874). Surprisingly, the bust was met with some artistic criticism when received. In reply, Saint-Gaudens wrote, "If there are any artistic defects in the work, which in justice to the deceased artist I do not feel free to speak of, they cannot be credited to me."
Chief Justice Morrison R. Waite:
Early patrons of Saint-Gaudens were instrumental in obtaining judicial commissions for the artist, and Senator William Evarts of New York was one of the most influential. When the bill to provide for a bust of the late Chief Justice Morrison R. Waite was introduced in the Senate in 188, he steered the commission to Saint-Gaudens. The bust was placed in the Supreme Court Chamber in the US Capitol in 1891. Today, it can be viewed upstairs in the Great Hall. |