(2 Bas-Relief Tableaux and 10 "Gnomes"), (sculpture).

(2 Bas-Relief Tableaux and 10 "Gnomes"), (sculpture).

Gosselin, Lucien H., 1883-1940, sculptor.

Provost, Wilfred, architect.

L. H. Shattuck Company, contractor.

(2 Bas-Relief Tableaux and 10 "Gnomes"), (sculpture).

Dedicated Sept. 11, 1927.

Digital Reference:

Panels: cast stone; Gnomes: cast stone.

2 bas-relief panels, 10 gnomes. Each panel: approx. H. 4 1/2 ft. x W. 12 ft.; Each gnome: approx. H. 18 in. x W. 14 in.

Two bas-relief panels and several high-relief gnome-like faces decorate the facade of a school building. The panel on the south facade of the building depicts Christ with a group of children. Christ is standing in the center of the scene with his arms open wide. Four children face him on his proper right and four on his proper left. One child kneels in supplication. Groupings of adults are in the background at each end of the panel. The panel on the north facade depicts St. Anthony preaching to a crowd. St. Anthony stands in proper left profile. His proper right arm is raised; he holds a scroll in his proper left hand. A group of people stand behind him; one woman holds an infant in her arms. Several children are seated and standing in front of St. Anthony, listening. A group of adults dressed in medieval costume stand behind the children.

The gnome-like heads appear at the bottoms of gothic style decorative columns attached to the facade of the building. The columns flank the entrances to the building. Each head wears a monk's hood and a comical expression on its face. At the north entrance, the figure on the left is plugging its ears with its hands and has its eyes tightly shut. The figure on the right has his hands under his chin and is using his fingers to count. A tablet is clutched in his proper right arm. At the east entrance the figure on the left holds a book in his proper left hand. His proper right hand clutches his hood. The figure on the right clutches scrolls with both hands. The arched portico for the east entrance is inset with a row of seven small heads, each with deep hollowed eyes, sharp noses and banana curls.

At the south entrance the figure on the left is singing, its mouth open wide. It holds an unrolled scroll with both hands; the scroll is inscribed with musical notes. The figure on the right is smiling; his elbows resting on the pages of an open book. His eyes are closed and his head rests on his fists. At the southern entrance on the west side, the figure on the left holds a quill pen with his proper right hand. His elbows rest on a piece of paper. His face is contorted in a grimace of concentration. The figure on the right is playing a piano; his fingers extended over a section of keyboard. At the northern entrance on the west side, the figure on the left holds a globe. He points to a spot on the globe with the index finger of his proper left hand. The figure on the right has his mouth open. His hands are clasped and his elbows rest on a book.

Religion -- New Testament -- Christ

Religion -- Saint -- St. Anthony

Figure male -- Head

Object -- Written Matter -- Book

Allegory -- Arts & Sciences -- Mathematics

Allegory -- Arts & Sciences -- Music

Object -- Other -- Globe

Allegory -- Arts & Sciences -- Education

Outdoor Sculpture -- New Hampshire -- Manchester

Architectural component

St. Anthony School, 148 Belmont Street, Manchester, New Hampshire 03103

The school building and sculpture were dedicated Sept. 11, 1927. The bas-relief panels were sculpted by Gosselin; it is thought that the gnome-like heads are also by Gosselin. Provost served as architect for the building and L. H. Shattuck was general contractor for the building. IAS files contain copy of related article from The Leader (Manchester), Sept. 12, 1927.

Save Outdoor Sculpture, New Hampshire survey, 1994.

The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.

Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture, Smithsonian American Art Museum, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 970, Washington, D.C. 20013-7012

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