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In 1886, Daniel Chester French first completed a model of a reclining female looking in a mirror. Cast in bronze, it was not until 1909 that he took up the figure, which he named "Memory" in order to put more details into his initial design. Between 1917-1919, "Memory" was sculpted into marble and it was purchased by the Metropolitain Museum of Art for $24,000.
The statue is interesting in part for the fact that the mirror which the figure holds does not reflect her own face, but that which is behind her. F. W. Ruckstull, a friend of French's, praised the statue, saying, "That is what I call Great Art - Universal yet personal; nude but not naked; True, Good and Beautiful."
"Memory" may be found in New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art's "American Wing Courtyard," an interior sculpture garden which is lush with plantings and fountains. The statue is serene and contemplative, and represents one of French's finest figures.
All photos below were taken by Douglas Yeo, April, 2002.
Daniel Chester French's "Memory" as viewed from the front. Click HERE
to download a higher resolution image of this photo. |
Detail of "Memory." |
This view is of "Memory" from the side. |
A view of the back of "Memory." |
A full view of "Memory" showing the garden in which it stands. |
This photo shows "Memory" in its full context, in the Metropolitan Museum's
"American Wing Courtyard," in a lush setting surrounded by other sculptures,
stained glass and a beautiful church pulpit. |
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