Augustus Saint-Gaudens was well known during his time for his public, sculptural works. In many instances, he partnered with the famed architect Stanford White to create dramatic sculptures in architectural settings in the north. One success was a 13-foot weather vane created for the top of Madison Square Garden. It was so popular that the artist decided to make several versions and sizes for people to enjoy in their home. This 3-foot, 3-inch tall bronze is one of those.

Standing on the top of a tripod base is a slender graceful nude goodness, Diana, holding a raised bow and arrow. Her silhouette is striking. She is engaged in physical pursuit; we view her mid-action as she has her left arm extended straight out holding the handle of the bow, while her right arm is pulled back and totally bent, holding the string and arrow. She stands tiptoe on top of a globe, one leg extended elegantly behind her. While the pose she’s holding makes it seem unlikely, the attitude and confidence she has makes you think she’ll make the shot.

Her wavy hair is pulled back in a loose bun at the back of her head; only the top of her ears are covered by her hairstyle. Her eyes are open and looking out, her mouth is closed.

On the front of the tripod base are three circular florets spaced evenly across the top. Directly under it, are three lines of raised print in capital letters. The first line reads “DIANA.” The second line reads “OP THE,” (a mistake that meant to read “OF THE”) and the third line reads “TOWER.” The bottom of the base is decorated with winged griffins, their heads on the outside edges and their wings extended in toward the middle.

The patina is consistent throughout. It’s a brown color, not overly polished but not dull. It has a totally smooth surface, with very little texturing. This graceful statue is meant to be viewed in the round, as it sits in the middle of the gallery on a white pedestal.