Download our app and ask your own questions during your visit. Here are some that others have asked.

Who is this supposed to be and why are they cloaked?

This is a bust from a such larger sculpture of a seated figure by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The entire statue is part of a memorial to the wife of historian Henry Adams.

Some scholars have linked the robe-covered head to the Japanese depictions of the Buddhist figure Kannon, who is often shown in such a way. Kannon represents the concept of compassion.

Was she widely known as a compassionate person? Or was that smothering adapted at the time for women?

Her husband was interested in Buddhism and asked that Saint-Gaudens look towards Buddhist imagery when making the memorial, specifically to the idea of Kannon.

Head from the Adams Memorial

Augustus Saint-Gaudens

American Art

On View: Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor

ARTIST Augustus Saint-Gaudens, American, born Ireland, 1848-1907

MEDIUM Bronze

Place Made: United States

DATES modeled 1891, copyrighted 1908

DIMENSIONS 19 5/16 x 12 x 7 1/2 in. (49.1 x 30.5 x 19.1cm)

SIGNATURE In relief on proper right side of base: "A ST G [initials in monogram] FECIT. M.D.C.C.C.LXXXXI" and inscribed on lower edge of bust at proper right: "COPYRIGHT . BY . A . H . SAINT-GAUDENS . 1908"

COLLECTIONS American Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 23.256

CREDIT LINE Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Bust of female with closed eyes, shrouded with heavy, hooded drapery; on rectangular pedestal base. Condition: Good.

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor