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WHITNEY.     -6-

incontrovertibly possesses, and in full measure. As this spark of genius gave inception and impetus to fundamental aesthetic ideas, and as her hands molded them and her artistry perfected them, the disbelieving world of art finally arrived at the correct conclusion that Gertrude V. Whitney was primarily and essentially a sculptress and a littérateur---in fact, an artist, before which nothing takes precedence; social distinction, wealthy position, and the status of wife and mother being of a distinctly secondary consideration and of lesser importance and when viewed strictly in the light of ultimate influence and lasting achievement.

One of her figures, a six foot image of a man, was sent to the Louisiana Exposition at St. Louis, and was favorably commented upon by artists of repute. In 1908 she won her first recognition in the competition known as the "project of the three arts." This is a prize for the best design made in co-operation by an architect, a mural painter and a sculptor. This special grouping was for an outdoor swimming pool. The general design