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Vanderbilt Mantelpiece

ca. 1881–83
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 700
This mantelpiece originally dominated the entrance hall of the residence of Cornelius Vanderbilt II on Fifth Avenue at 57th Street (demolished 1925-27). Working for the architect George B. Post, the artist John La Farge (1835-1910) created a lavish decorative program, to which Saint-Gaudens contributed many of the sculptural elements. Two classical caryatids, Amor (Love) and Pax (Peace), support the expansive entablature with bowed heads and upraised arms. The overmantel mosaic depicts a classically dressed woman holding a garland. The Latin phrase of hospitality flanking her head may be translated as “the house at its threshold gives evidence of the master’s good will. Welcome to the guest who arrives; farewell and helpfulness to him who departs.”

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Vanderbilt Mantelpiece
  • Maker: Augustus Saint-Gaudens (American, Dublin 1848–1907 Cornish, New Hampshire)
  • Date: ca. 1881–83
  • Geography: Made in New York, New York, United States
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: Marble, mosaic, oak, and cast iron
  • Dimensions: 184 3/8 x 154 7/8 x 37 1/4 in. (468.3 x 393.4 x 94.6 cm)
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt II, 1925
  • Object Number: 25.234
  • Curatorial Department: The American Wing

More Artwork

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William Henry II and Cornelius Vanderbilt III, Augustus Saint-Gaudens American, Bronze, American
William Henry II and Cornelius Vanderbilt III
Augustus Saint-Gaudens
1882
Cornelius Vanderbilt I, Augustus Saint-Gaudens American, Bronze, American
Cornelius Vanderbilt I
Augustus Saint-Gaudens
1882
Faces in the Fire, Elihu Vedder American, Bronze, American
Faces in the Fire
Elihu Vedder
Giovanni Battista Bastianelli
1887, cast 1888
Vanderbilt Mantelpiece date panel, Augustus Saint-Gaudens American, Mahogany, ivory, mother-of-pearl, and coral, American
Vanderbilt Mantelpiece date panel
Augustus Saint-Gaudens
1881–83
Stained Glass Lunette from the Cornelius Vanderbilt II House, New York, John La Farge American, Leaded opalescent glass, American
Stained Glass Lunette from the Cornelius Vanderbilt II House, New York
John La Farge
ca. 1880–82

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