The occasion for which this modest book was made is the opening of the National Sculpture Society’s exhibition in the year 1923, under the auspices and in the neighborhood of a distinguished group of learned societies. Such an occasion invites rejoicing, rather than lamentation. Hence in these loosely gathered chapters little is said of commercialism, of mechanistic tendencies, of unhappy professional rivalries, of mistaken ultra-modernism, or of other burdens or bugaboos that hamper the spirit of American sculpture. I have tried to bear in mind a saying of Kenyon Cox, an accomplished critic, yet honest at all times beyond conventional expectation. Mr. Cox was asked whether in his opinion as a critic, a certain article on a well-known painter, a younger contemporary, was not too favorable in its judgments. Taking time to consider, Mr. Cox answered, “No, to my mind, that critique is not too favorable! It brings forward much of the best that is to be found in one of our best painters, and it doesn’t harp on his defects. As I take it, the thing was written for intelligent readers. They are able to read between the lines. From what is said of the qualities, they will know the defects.” NOTE In the preparation of the present work, the author has found herself, through the natural insistence of her own and her husband’s feelings, placed in a somewhat delicate position. It remains, therefore, for those editing the volume to preface it with some expression of admiration, however inadequate. To sculptors, it is needless to point out the importance of the work of Herbert Adams. It is therefore to the lay reader that some word must be said of the man who hesitates to have recorded the admirable production of a fruitful and influential career. The wisdom, restraint, and true sense of the just and fitting, which for years have rendered all relation with his calm and balanced intellect the delight of friends and the aid of fellow workers, are mirrored in an art which so easily reflects these qualities. To those connected with the preparation of this exhibition it is a great pleasure to render serious tribute to the man who among sculptors has brought such faithful homage to the Art of Sculpture, and whose influence must be cherished as one of the permanent forces for Truth in the Art of our land. THE COMMITTEE. CONTENTS PAGE PREFACE v NOTE xv CHAPTER I MRS. PATIENCE WRIGHT SPEAKS THE PROLOGUE 3 II OUR BLITHE BEGINNING DAYS 29 III OF THREE LEADERS, AND OF MORAL EARNESTNESS IN ART 47 JOHN QUINCY ADAMS WARD 57