Diana (Saint-Gaudens)

Diana, often referred to as Diana of the Tower, is a revered statue sculpted by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. This statue, portraying the Roman goddess Diana, was originally commissioned to serve as a weather vane atop the tower of Madison Square Garden in New York City.

The initial version of Diana, unveiled in 1891, faced criticism for both its size and nudity. Consequently, Saint-Gaudens created a smaller, lighter version in 1893, which was then installed on the Madison Square Garden tower. In 1932, this statue found a new home at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

In 2013, Diana underwent restoration work to replace her eroded gold leaf, and she was rededicated in 2014. Over the years, Diana has left an indelible mark on popular culture, appearing in the novel "Ragtime" and its film adaptation.

Several versions of Diana exist, including half-sized statues and smaller bronze statuettes. The Smithsonian American Art Museum owns a bronze statuette of the original version, while other museums and private collectors maintain various casts and busts of Diana's head. The statue remains an iconic piece of art and history, with its legacy perpetuated through numerous reproductions and interpretations.