Gutzon Borglum Archive

Gutzon Borglum
American, 1867–1941
George Washington, Mt. Rushmore Study
Plaster Cast with Laquer Finish
7 ¾ H. x 7 ½ W. x 3 ¾ D. inches
Signed Right Edge: Gutzon Borglum
Titled Top Edge Mt. Rushmore

This image depicts the artist with his original composition for Mount Rushmore, which placed Jefferson on one side of Washington and Lincoln on the other flaws in the stone face of the mountain necessitated a change in the final placement of the figures.
The present bas relief relates directly to this original composition as represented in this photograph, from Borglum’s studio.
According to the artist’s Granddaughter, Robin Borglum Carter, her direct recollection is that during her time spent in the studio, her Grandfather with the participation of his children and grandchildren, would themselves execute casts of his various models, for use in the studio.