7 - Greek Classics and Garden Gnomes

Transcription of accompanying audio.
Woman's Voice.

This is stop 7.

It’s titled: Greek Classics and Garden Gnomes: Faded Glory.

Adolph Sutro thought on a grand scale. After purchasing a modest home across from the Cliff House in 1881, he converted the rocky hilltop on which it sat into a lavish estate with lush gardens and shady forests. He also imported concrete replicas of Greek and Roman statuary to decorate his flower beds and educate visitors about classical art. Storybook characters and garden gnomes dotted the grounds.

After Sutro's death in 1898, the estate became neglected, and many of the decorations were lost to vandalism. This replica statue of Diana was cast from the original 1880s statue, as were the others on display here and at Sutro Heights. All surviving Sutro-era statuary is now in safe storage.

Two black and white photographs illustrate the story. At left, the photo shows the sculpture in situ, standing tall above garden plants, with a gardener standing next to her pedestal. The caption is, “Diana statue at Sutro Heights, 1886”.

At right, the photo shows a back view of another sculpture, a full-sized nude with a cherub, and other sculptures in the background. Three men stand in the park-like setting. The caption reads, “Statues and fountain. Adolph Sutro is at far left. 1886”.

Now for directions to the next stop, make sure you're standing at the glossy panel side of the Diana statue.Now, walk around the left side of the sculpture and find Diana's left foot. Turn so your back is to it and walk forward one or two steps. You will find a free-standing display.