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Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site
New Film on Augustus Saint-Gaudens

A new hour-long feature documentary, Augustus Saint-Gaudens: Master of American Sculpture, was produced by the Trustees of the Saint-Gaudens Memorial with assistance from the Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site. Paul Sanderson, of Our Town Films, Inc. is the film's producer and director.

The director's cut (74 minutes) of the film has been broadcast multiple times on New Hampshire Public Television. The final, hour-long version is scheduled for national PBS broadcast on December 27, 2009. See a clip of the film. The film is available now on DVD through PBS Home Videos, and can also be purchased at the park's museum shop.

A 12 minute podcast with film maker, Paul Sanderson, made in February at the National Gallery, can be accessed on the National Gallery website under podcasts, for February 24, 2009.

A special teacher's guide to the film is available for educators through the park. Copies of the film, as well as other educational materials, may be borrowed by teachers for use in their classroom.

Although millions today see Saint-Gaudens’ work in museums and public places, few know the man behind the art. The film will introduce new audiences to this artist and his work and show how he influenced American cultural life through the art of sculpture and as teacher and supporter of the arts. The documentary will cover Saint-Gaudens' life, from his birth in Dublin, Ireland, and childhood in New York City, through his rise to prominence in the art world both in Europe and the United States, and his continued legacy as one of the country’s greatest artists.

Saint-Gaudens and his family arrived in Boston on the ship, Desdemona in September 1848  

Did You Know?
Though considered an American artist, Augustus Saint-Gaudens was born in Dublin, Ireland to a French father and Irish mother. In 1848, at the age of six months, he made the month-long voyage to the United States with his parents on the ship Desdamona.

Last Updated: September 21, 2009 at 19:06 EST