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William Henry Rinehart: American Sculptor
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Renowned sculptor William Henry Rinehart (1825-1874) was born at his father's farm near Union Bridge, Maryland, on September 13, 1825. At a young age, Rinehart started working in his father's stone quarry in Carroll County. Nearby Baltimore offered Rinehart a chance to enter the stonecutting profession. At Baughman & Bevin, Rinehart quickly advanced to the position of foreman with the firm and was allowed to accept private commissions, an uncommon practice in the 19th century. His skill and artistry were noticed by William T. Walters (founder of the Walters Art Gallery in Baltimore) and other art patrons, who financed a trip for Rinehart to Florence, Italy in 1855. In Italy, Rinehart studied classical sculpture and acquired clients to finance his work.
He returned to Baltimore in 1857 and opened a studio, but Baltimore was not an art center like Rome. A lack of models and clients led him to return to Rome in 1858. There he created over 100 portrait busts and other statuary. Rinehart's work is testament to a local tradition of stonecutting. |
Wealthy patrons commissioned portrait busts from Rinehart. While this supplied the sculptor with income, it was a tedious part of his work. Between 1853 and his death, Rinehart completed more than 100 commissions. Most of Rinehart's customers were wealthy industrialists, financiers, railroadmen, prominent clergy, and literary figures who visited his studios on their grand tours of Europe. His bust of Sarah M. G. Mygatt is among his earlist works. |
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The sculptor produced several portrait bas-reliefs including this self-portrait executed in Rome. This is believed to be the original, of which there are only 3 known copies. This bas-relief was first owned by the sculptor's nephew, William C. Rinehart. |
| Several of William Henry Rinehart's sculptures can be seen in museums in the Baltimore-Washington area. The above images are highlights from the exhibit of the same name presently on view at the Historical Society of Carroll County. |
| The Exhibits icon is of a doll made by a former slave of the Woodyard family. The maker was a tailor; he constructed the doll, its clothing, and carved the wooden head. |
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Last updated: July 14, 1999 |
