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Admiral David Glasgow Farragut

Founder Cast by Aubry Brothers & Co. American
1879–80; cast 1910
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 762
This bust derives from a study Saint-Gaudens made for his first major commission, the Farragut Monument, unveiled in New York City’s Madison Square in 1881. The statue commemorates the celebrated Civil War naval commander Admiral David Glasgow Farragut (1801-1870), who earned glory for the 1862 capture of New Orleans and his victory at the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864. During that battle, he issued his famous command, "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!" Here, Farragut’s furrowed brow, squinting eyes, and resolute mouth exemplify the fluid modeling style for which Saint-Gaudens is renowned.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Admiral David Glasgow Farragut
  • Artist: Augustus Saint-Gaudens (American, Dublin 1848–1907 Cornish, New Hampshire)
  • Founder: Cast by Aubry Brothers & Co. (American, New York, 1904–1910)
  • Date: 1879–80; cast 1910
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: Bronze and marble
  • Dimensions: 11 x 8 x 8 3/4 in. (27.9 x 20.3 x 22.2 cm)
  • Credit Line: Gift by subscription through the Saint-Gaudens Memorial Committee, 1912
  • Object Number: 12.76.3a, b
  • Curatorial Department: The American Wing

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