Diana
Bronze sculpture by Augustus Saint-Gaudens

Diana
Bronze sculpture by Augustus Saint-Gaudens
The Roman goddess of the chase stands on her left foot on tiptoe upon a sphere, with her right leg slightly lifted behind her for balance. Her left arm is extended straight out to her side, holding a bow. Her right arm is upraised and pulled back, holding in place an arrow which is about to be released from the bowstring. Her gaze travels down the length of the arrow, siting it in preparation for its release. The figure's hair is upswept and gathered in a knot at the top of her head. This sculpture is the artist's only nude female figure.

Augustus Saint-Gaudens
Born in Dublin on March 1st, 1848. He was taken by his parents to America when he was only a few months old. After a childhood spent in New York, determined to be an artist, he became apprentice to a stone-cameo cutter. This craft supported him during his student days and the lean years of struggle. Evenings at Cooper Union and the National Academy of Design provided his formal teaching until he sailed for Paris in 1867, where he studied with Jouffroy and laid a sound foundation for his later achievements.

All images on this sculpting site were photographed, scanned and edited by Rod and Gail Lang. Information is obtained from "Brookgreen Gardens Sculpture" Volumes I and II. To obtain a copy of these magnificent books which provide photos and detail on hundreds of sculptures in Brookgreen Gardens call the gardens at 843-237-4218.