Roland Hinton Perry Paintings

Roland Hinton Perry was an American sculptor and painter, born on January 25, 1870, in New York City. He came from a background of artists and intellectuals, which undoubtedly influenced his future in the arts. Perry studied in the United States and then abroad in Paris at the École des Beaux-Arts, which was one of the most prestigious art schools in Europe at the time. There, he honed his skills in sculpture under the tutelage of renowned artists such as Jean Alexandre Joseph Falguière and Antonin Mercié.

Perry's early works quickly established him as a significant figure in the American art scene. One of his most famous works is the 'Fountain of Neptune,' which he created for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. After the exposition, he was commissioned to create a number of public monuments, which are still in place today, such as the 'Statue of General Greene' in Washington, D.C., and the 'Logan Memorial,' which honors American soldiers.

In addition to public monuments, Perry also worked on various architectural sculptures. His most prominent contribution in this field was for the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., where he created the 'Court of Neptune Fountain' at the entrance of the Thomas Jefferson Building. This became one of his signature works and a notable example of Beaux-Arts architecture in the United States.

Despite his success as a sculptor, Perry's career also faced challenges. With the advent of modernism, his classical style fell out of favor, and commissions became less frequent. During this period, he also began to focus more on painting, although he is less known for this aspect of his work.

Perry's contributions to American art were significant, particularly in the realm of public sculpture. His works are characterized by a sense of grandeur and neoclassical grace, reflecting the Beaux-Arts training he received in Paris. Perry passed away on October 27, 1941, leaving behind a legacy of monumental art that continues to decorate and dignify public spaces in the United States.