Video
Adams Memorial
Transcript
This bronze sculpture referred by the park as “The Adams Memorial” was created by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. This 6-feet tall figure mounts on a base of 10-inch-tall granite pedestal and a 7 by 5 feet granite backdrop. It has also been called the “Mystery of the Hereafter,” “The Peace of God that Passeth Understanding,” and “Grief.” Henry Adams, who commissioned the piece, preferred it to remain nameless.
Intense emotion and mystery surround this dark, seated figure with obscured facial features. A heavy, hooded cloak covers the figure’s head, falls across its’ lap and hides their legs and feet. One arm is raised toward their face in a pensive gesture. Look closer within the cloth’s dark shadow to see their face. Their eyes cast downward, and perhaps express pain, resignation, or peace. Their facial features are notably androgenous. That’s because this figure is not meant to represent a human man or woman. Rather, the sculpture was intended to be an allegorical representation of a Nirvana-like afterlife, or as Saint-Gaudens put it, “The Peace of God that Passeth Understanding.”
Description
A detailed audio description of the Adams Memorial by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, located on the grounds of Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park.
Duration
1 minute, 12 seconds
Credit
NPS
Date Created
06/30/2026
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