Grief

statue by Saint-Gaudens

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 17, 2026

Quick Summary

The statue often mistakenly called "Grief" is actually titled The Mystery of the Hereafter and was created by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Commissioned by historian Henry Adams, it is a memorial to his wife, Marian. Saint-Gaudens, a prominent American sculptor of the late 19th century, was known for his evocative memorial statues. This particular sculpture, located in Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington, D.C., features a shrouded bronze figure. It is considered by many to be one of Saint-Gaudens's greatest works.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Marian Adams
…work of art sometimes called Grief—is widely acknowledged to be one of the sculptor’s masterpieces, and it drew a wide range of responses and visitors, including Mark Twain, Henry James, and Eleanor Roosevelt. Henry Adams, who does not mention his wife in his most famous work, The Education of Henry…
Read More
…work of art sometimes called Grief—is widely acknowledged to be one of the sculptor’s masterpieces, and it drew a wide range of responses and visitors, including Mark Twain, Henry James, and Eleanor Roosevelt. Henry Adams, who does not mention his wife in his most famous work, The Education of Henry…
Read More