Gilded Age Goddess
How Diana of the Tower Became a New York City Icon
Coming n 2026. See more books here.
Cover Design: Qamber Designs and Media
We are blessed to be able to step into American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and see a beautiful statue of the Goddess Diana.
Her slim, naked form inhabits the center of the massive space. She looks as if she is in flight as she lifts up on one foot and aims her golden arrow.
The statue seems to come to life. There is a good reason for this.
Diana is the celebrated masterpiece from sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens.
But she is so much more.
She is modeled after the woman he loved.
This book tells the history behind the scenes, as well as the public history of Diana's different incarnations.
It is a Gilded Age story that includes romance, secret families, betrayal, scandal, and tales from over 100 years ago.
It is a story about a brilliant artist, his muse, and the an ancient goddess who became a beloved work of art.
Although the original statue was adopted by Philadelphia, Diana began her journey as a New Yorker and she still resides here in different forms.
She once flew high above the City. And she is recognized around the world.