Dreaming with Animals: Anna Hyatt Huntington and Brookgreen Gardens

Gr 3 Up—Dunn details how Anna Hyatt Huntington developed her artistic talents to become known as one of the most prominent female sculptors of the 20th century. Huntington's childhood fascination with animals, with the encouragement of her family, helped her hone her skills of observation and art appreciation. Harnessing these loves, Huntington would eventually create life-size models for public displays, art shows, and commissions for museums or art collectors. As one of the few successful women sculptures of the early 1900's, she created over 500 statues over her long career. Huntington lived a privileged life compared to many during this time period and the text points this out while emphasizing how much she worked, her dedication to learning, and the breadth of her compassionate nature. Pen-and-ink illustrations depict a young Huntington daydreaming in the pasture, her intense focus as she worked on projects, meeting and falling in love with Archer, her bouts with tuberculosis, and many of her statues, including a full-page rendition of the sculpture Diana of the Chase.