Admiral David Glasgow Farragut

Augustus Saint-Gaudens

1879–80; cast 1910 · Bronze and marble · The American Wing

This bust derives from a study Saint-Gaudens made for his first major commission, the Farragut Monument, unveiled in New York City’s Madison Square in 1881. The statue commemorated the Civil War’s most celebrated naval commander, Admiral David Glasgow Farragut (1801–1870), who earned glory for the 1862 capture of New Orleans and his victory at the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864. During that battle, he issued his famous command, “Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!” Here, Farragut’s furrowed brow, squinting eyes, and resolute mouth exemplify the richly modeled style for which Saint-Gaudens is renowned.

Artist

Augustus Saint-Gaudens

Date

1879–80; cast 1910

Medium

Bronze and marble

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Gift by subscription through the Saint-Gaudens Memorial Committee, 1912