The Gilded Age in American Art

Discussion Starters: Cultural/Historical
Consider how this work relates to the Gilded Age era.

Key points

• Increased interest in and travel to exotic cultures.
• Finely decorated homes and country estates housed art collections.
• European art and culture a strong influence.

Stevenson was a leading literary figure of the time and well known to the public. Saint-Gaudens became interested in Stevenson's work after reading New Arabian Nights (1882) and expressed a desire to make his portrait. Stevenson came to New York in 1887 to be treated for tuberculosis. The two met through their mutual friend Will H. Low (to whom "Underwoods" is dedicated.) Why would Stevenson's writings appeal to the Gilded Age public?

This relief was a very popular work. Tiffany and Company produced replicas of the relief that sold for several hundred dollars. Why would Gilded Age Americans be interested in purchasing replicas of this relief?

Saint-Gaudens' style derived from his admiration for Renaissance medals and bronze casting. He was especially influenced by two 15th-century Florentine sculptors: Donatello and Lorenzo Ghiberti. Describe how this portrait of Robert Louis Stevenson is similar to Donatello's Chellini Madonna