Adams, Adeline: The spirit of American sculpture (New York: Nat. Sculpture Soc., 1923)

AMERICAN SCULPTURE
15
when all materials are given, be magi-
cally called into existence from a sheaf
of plans and specifications placed in the
hands of competent artisans. A con-
siderable body of sculpture in perma-
nent form implies a background of
orderly civilization, well developed on
its industrial side. The marble quarry
and the bronze foundry do not spring
up over-night in mushroom growth.
They are the foster-children of slow
time. We are called an inventive,
craftsmanlike people, but it was not
until the year 1847 that the first cast-
ing of a bronze statue was accomp-
lished in our country. The statue was
of the Boston astronomer, Dr. Bow-
ditch, and by the English sculptor, Ball
Hughes. The original bronze cast was
not a wholly successful piece of
work; it was long ago replaced by a
bronze from a French foundry. But
those familiar with the difficulties of
the situation will recall Dr. Johnson’s
SPEAKS THE PROLOGUE