The spirit of American sculpture

"The Spirit of American Sculpture" by Adeline Adams is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book provides an overview of the evolution of sculpture in America, tracing its development from the colonial era through to the early 1920s. It discusses major sculptors and the impact of various historical events on American art, examining how the spirit of the nation influenced its artistic expressions in sculpture. At the start of the book, the author introduces the concept of the American sculptural tradition, beginning with early sculptor Patience Lovell Wright and her significance in the context of American history. Adams reflects on the limitations and challenges faced by early sculptors in a new nation lacking a robust artistic infrastructure and how the interplay of wars and peace shaped public consciousness regarding art. The opening section sets the stage for a deeper exploration of key figures and movements in American sculpture, emphasizing a nuanced understanding of both artistic ambition and societal context. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Adeline Valentine Pond Adams (1859–1948) was an American writer and the wife of Herbert Adams. The chief subjects of her writings were American fine artists and art history. She published at least seven texts. On December 14, 1930, she was awarded a Special Medal of Honor by the National Sculpture Society. In 1947, she was the first recipient of the Society's Herbert Adams Memorial Medal.