Into the Highlands of the Mind Let Me Go, (sculpture).

Into the Highlands of the Mind Let Me Go, (sculpture).

Sanford, Edward Field, Jr., 1886-1951, sculptor.

Weeks, Charles Peter, 1870-1928, architect.

Weeks & Day, architectural firm.

Into the Highlands of the Mind Let Me Go, (sculpture).

1922-1928. Dedicated 1928.

Digital Reference:

Cast terra cotta with granitex surface.

Approx. 12 x 76 x 3 ft.

(Beneath pediment:) INTO THE HIGHLANDS OF THE MIND LET ME GO

A pediment grouping of 17 figures portraying an allegorical history of California. In the center is a standing nude female figure, representing California with a sword of Justice in her right hand and the Owl of Wisdom in her left. On her right side stands a figure representing Statesmanship; on her left, her Warrior Son. With Pegasus, symbolic of Romance and Poetry and whose hoof strikes a stone from which spring the rivers, are grouped two figures: Art and Beauty. With the team of horses are grouped two figures representing Flora and Pomona. In the rear of these work horses, which are symbolic of Agriculture, is a figure with a sickle representing the Harvester. The corner is filled with a female figure of Progress and the California Bear. To the rear of Pegasus is a female figure with a treasure chest, symbolic of wealth; a male figure representing Commerce and a mountain lion.

Allegory -- Quality -- Justice

Mythology -- Classical -- Pegasus

Object -- Weapon -- Sword

Allegory -- Place -- California

Allegory -- Arts & Sciences -- Agriculture

Animal -- Bird -- Owl

Animal -- Panther

Literature -- Watson

Outdoor Sculpture -- California -- Sacramento

Administered by State of California, Building and Grounds, 1300 L Street, Sacramento, California 95814

Located Library and Courts Building, 10th Street and Capitol Mall, south of the circle, Sacramento, California 95814

For a related article see San Francisco Chronicle (San Francisco, CA), Sept. 28, 1924, pg. 5. IAS files contain related articles from Sacramento Bee (Sacramento, CA), June 15, 1985; and a copy of the National Register of Historic Places Nomination form which discusses the history and design of the building. The Library and County Buildings were created by the architectural firm of Weeks and Day, with Charles Peter Weeks responsible for most of the design. The contract was awarded in 1918, and although groundbreaking took place in 1922, war inflation delayed completion of the building until 1928/29. The pediment sculpture was designed by Edward F. Sanford. He won a $40,000 commission to create 1/3 size models for the building's two pediments (the other titled Bring Me Men to Match My Mountains), four entrance statues (Climatic, Romantic, Floral and Mineral Wealth), and 20 facade panels. Local craftsman assisted with the work. The building is also known as the Capitol Extension building. The inscription title of the pediment was adopted by State Librarian Ferguson, from the poem "Shakespeare" by William Watson.

Save Outdoor Sculpture, California, Sacramento survey, 1992.

Sacramento Bee (Sacramento, CA), June 15, 1985.

San Francisco Chronicle (San Francisco, CA), Sept. 28, 1924, pg. 5.

Sacramento Bee (Sacramento, CA), June 15, 1985.

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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