The $20 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle gold coin is celebrated as one of the most beautiful coins in American history. Created by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens and first minted in 1907, it epitomizes artistic and patriotic ideals. While the coin is admired for its design, an often-overlooked aspect of its legacy is the story of the real-life model who inspired Liberty’s majestic portrayal.
Saint-Gaudens’ Vision of Liberty
Augustus Saint-Gaudens was commissioned by President Theodore Roosevelt during a time when American coinage was due for an artistic renaissance. Roosevelt wanted designs that reflected the grandeur of ancient Greek and Roman coins, embodying the spirit of a bold and confident America. Saint-Gaudens took this challenge to heart and created a depiction of Liberty that was both graceful and powerful, standing as a beacon of freedom and hope.
The obverse of the $20 Double Eagle features a full-length depiction of Liberty holding a torch and an olive branch. She strides confidently forward, her flowing gown and wind-swept hair giving her a sense of movement and vitality. While the design is unmistakably Saint-Gaudens’, it is widely believed that the artist drew inspiration from a real model.
The Mystery of the Model
For years, speculation surrounded the identity of the model for Liberty. The most widely accepted theory is that Saint-Gaudens based the figure on Harriette Eugenia Anderson, an artist’s model of African American descent who posed for Saint-Gaudens in several projects during the late 19th century.
Anderson worked with Saint-Gaudens during his time in Cornish, New Hampshire, where he maintained a studio. Known for her striking features, grace, and poise, Anderson became the muse for many of Saint-Gaudens’ sculptures, including his acclaimed statue, Diana, for New York City’s Madison Square Garden. Her collaboration with the artist reflected the evolving artistic ideals of the era, celebrating realism and individuality.
While Anderson’s contributions were never officially documented by Saint-Gaudens himself, her role as a model for the Double Eagle Liberty design is supported by several art historians who studied his work and correspondence.
A Legacy of Beauty and Symbolism
The depiction of Liberty on the Double Eagle symbolizes strength, enlightenment, and peace. The torch in her right hand represents knowledge and guidance, while the olive branch in her left hand signifies peace. These elements, combined with the confident stance and intricate detailing, make the coin a masterpiece of both art and numismatics.
Harriette Anderson’s Unrecognized Contribution
Despite her possible role as the model for one of America’s most iconic coins, Harriette Anderson’s story remains largely untold. This lack of recognition reflects the broader historical trend of overshadowing the contributions of women—and especially women of color—in the arts.
Conclusion
The $20 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is not only a triumph of artistic design but also a reminder of the human stories behind its creation. Whether or not Harriette Anderson was the definitive model, the coin’s Liberty figure stands as an enduring symbol of America’s ideals, immortalizing the talent of Augustus Saint-Gaudens and his ability to capture beauty, grace, and strength in one breathtaking image.
FAQs
1. Who was the model for the Liberty design on the $20 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle?
It is widely believed that Harriette Eugenia Anderson, an artist’s model of African American descent, served as the inspiration for the Liberty figure on the coin.
2. What inspired Augustus Saint-Gaudens to create this design for the Double Eagle?
Saint-Gaudens aimed to create a design reflecting the grandeur of ancient Greek and Roman coins, embodying American ideals of freedom, enlightenment, and peace, as envisioned by President Theodore Roosevelt.
3. Why is the $20 Double Eagle considered one of the most beautiful coins in American history?
The intricate detailing, dynamic pose of Liberty, and the symbolic elements like the torch and olive branch contribute to its recognition as a masterpiece of numismatic artistry.