Gutzon Borglum, an American sculptor, is best known for his monumental work on Mount Rushmore. Born in 1867 to Danish immigrants, Borglum's life was marked by his artistic achievements and his involvement in various public projects. His legacy is a testament to his skill and vision, leaving a lasting impact on American art and culture.
Early Life and Education
John Gutzon de la Mothe Borglum was born in St. Charles, which was initially thought to be in Utah but later determined
to be in Idaho Territory. He was the son of Danish immigrants and grew up in a family that practiced Mormon polygamy. His father, Jens Borglum, was a woodcarver who later became a doctor after attending the Saint Louis Homeopathic Medical College. The family eventually left the LDS Church and moved to Nebraska, where Jens established a medical practice.
Gutzon Borglum's education began in Fremont, Nebraska, and continued at St. Mary's College in Kansas. He later moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where he apprenticed in a machine shop and graduated from Creighton Preparatory School. These early experiences laid the foundation for his future career in sculpture.
Artistic Career and Major Works
Borglum's artistic career took off in New York City, where he sculpted saints and apostles for the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. His work gained recognition when the Metropolitan Museum of Art purchased one of his sculptures, marking the first time the museum acquired a piece by a living American artist. Borglum's reputation grew, surpassing that of his younger brother, Solon Borglum, who was also a sculptor.
Among Borglum's notable works are the statues of Union General Philip Sheridan in Washington, D.C., and Chicago, as well as a bust of Abraham Lincoln exhibited in the White House. His fascination with large-scale projects and themes of nationalism culminated in his most famous work, Mount Rushmore, which features the faces of four U.S. presidents.
Personal Life and Legacy
Borglum's personal life was as dynamic as his career. He married twice, first to Elizabeth Putnam Janes and later to Mary Montgomery Williams, with whom he had three children. His son, Lincoln Borglum, played a significant role in completing Mount Rushmore after Gutzon's death in 1941.
Borglum's legacy extends beyond his sculptures. He was an active member of the Freemasons and involved in various political activities, including the Bull Moose Party. Despite controversies surrounding his associations, Borglum's contributions to American art remain significant. His works continue to inspire and attract millions of visitors, ensuring his place in the annals of American history.
