Ever since its unveiling on Memorial Day in 1897, the Shaw memorial has been known for its emotional resonance and stunning artistry. With their commander sitting erect astride his horse, denoting the troop's civic undertaking, the men of the 54th surge forward, marching toward battle. Although rifles pepper the space above them at varying angles and the troops are diverse in expression and pose, the regiment nearly shimmers with solidarity. The realization of this brilliantly conceived piece, from original commission to completion, spanned fourteen years.

Augustus Saint-Gaudens, Shaw Memorial (details), 1900, patinated plaster, U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site, Cornish, New Hampshire