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408      LIVING AMERICAN ARTISTS.

the people. There was but little to wish for now, save that the future should fulfill the promise of the present; and there was no cloud above all the broad horizon. But, alas! the storm was near which was to make this fair home desolate. His wife died after a brief illness. That this was a bitter loss all felt who knew this noble lady. Her influence on the artist's thought and work was known to all who knew him. A woman of rare mental gifts and exalted nature, she inspired his thoughts and supported him in his labors. No sacrifice was too great that aided his advancement.

Devoted to her husband and to his glorious art, her faith was inexhaustible; her courage never failed. To her clear and wholesome criticism he owes much of his success; to her woman's tenderness he owes it that his dark hours were but few in the least hopeful of his days of struggle.

It was in 1869 that Ward began his work on the Shakespeare statue, of which the praises of the critics to whom it was exhibited in plaster but a few months ago, still echo in our ears. This statue was to have been unveiled on the 23rd of April last- the anniversary of the Poet's birthday- but the bronze was not finished in time. So we shall probably have to wait until the same date of next year.

The sculptor is now at work upon a colossal figure of General Reynolds, who was killed on the field of Gettysburg, whereon this monument will be erected. He also works, at intervals, on the bas-relief of the pedestal for the Perry statue, illustrating the important events in the life of the great Commodore. 

As this is the age of figures, we would never be forgiven if we omitted a seasoning of them to give our story spice,- and so we throw in a handful. For his first great success, "The Indian Hunter," Ward received $10,000; for his plaster model of "The Good Samaritan," $5,000; about $17,000 will pay him for his figure of Commodore Perry and the pedestal; $23,000 was his commission for the Seventh Regiment Statue, and $20,000 for the Shakespeare. So adding to these sums those paid him for his minor works,- his group for the Equitable Insurance Company, now on its way here from Rome, where it was cut; his numerous portrait busts and designs,- it will be seen that Ward has worked industriously for his reputation, and, as the figure show, to profitable end.

A brief description of the man, for the sake of those too far removed to meet him, for he is accessible to all who court his kindly presence, and our task is done.

Ward is somewhat above the middle height, with the form of an athlete and the grace of movement of one. He is fair, in features Celtic rather than Saxon, reddish-yellow bread close cropped, and pendulous moustache in shade to match. His manner indicates the high-strung nervous temperament; he talks rapidly and well, as one whom words, at best, but ill translate the plenitude of thought, and yet are never fashioned to disguise it. His conversation has the rare charm of thorough earnestness. He neither waits to choose the better word, nor shapes his phrase conventionally. You know more of him in an hour than you could of most men in a lifetime. His world is one of good fellows generally; he talks about it as he finds it, and helps to elevate one's standard of average human nature. 

Ward was elected Vice-President of our National Academy in 1870, and re-elected this year. He is closely identified with all progressive movements in the Academy, where his advice is sought and prized.