You are currently viewing A Visit to Chesterwood, part 5
French's studio. Chesterwood, Stockbridge, MA.

A Visit to Chesterwood, part 5

This is the last in my series of posts on a visit to Chesterwood in July 2021. Daniel Chester French is best known as the sculptor of the Lincoln in the Lincoln Memorial. For more, see the first post in this series. In this post: a sculpture by French that I missed, a sculpture not by French, and views of the studio and gardens.

French’s studio and gardens

Main entrance to French’s studio. Chesterwood, Stockbridge, MA.
Fountain near the main entrance to French’s studio. Chesterwood, Stockbridge, MA.
Garden near French’s studio. Chesterwood, Stockbridge, MA.
Promenade looking toward French’s studio. Chesterwood, Stockbridge, MA.

Sculpture in the woods

Edward Clark Potter, Infant Faun and Rabbit, 1887-1889. Chesterwood, Stockbridge, MA.

The plaque for this adorable work reads, “Theresa I. Cunningham loved this place.” Cunningham was a friend of French’s daughter, Margaret French Cresson. The Metropolitan Museum has a bronze version of this piece. Thanks to Dana Pinson, curatorial researcher at Chesterwood, for providing information on it.

Edward Clark Potter, who sculpted this, was a noted sculptor of animals. He modelled the horse for French’s General Hooker (see this post) and the pair of lions outside the main entrance to New York Public Library at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street.

From one of the paths near the studio, not by French. Chesterwood, Stockbridge, MA.

His Majesty, 1931

Daniel Chester French, His Majesty, 1931. Chesterwood, Stockbridge, MA. Photos courtesy of Chesterwood.

My husband saw this – I completely missed it! French sculpted it based on the pose of a mother and child he’d seen at Chesterwood. Chesterwood owns three versions, one 22 1/4″ high, the other two 32″. Two are in storage; the third is on view in the Collections Gallery, in a small room off the main exhibition area. Many thanks to Dana Pinson, curatorial researcher at Chesterwood, for sending me photos.

More

  • In Getting More Enjoyment from Sculpture You Love, I demonstrate a method for looking at sculptures in detail, in depth, and on your own. Learn to enjoy your favorite sculptures more, and find new favorites. Available on Amazon print and Kindle formats.
  • Want wonderful art delivered weekly to your inbox? Check out my free Sunday Recommendations list and rewards for recurring support: details here.