19th-Century American Art

Coming to the Parson, patented August 9, 1870
John Rogers (1829-1904)
Painted plaster, 10 x 22 x 18 inches
Gift of Reverend James F. Trainor, 2003
DAM 2003-26

Coming to the Parson was the most popular figural group John Rogers ever created. Approximately 8,000 copies of this work were made during the artist's lifetime. Plaster copies were typically sold at a price of $15.00 each. It is thought that this sculpture group was most often purchased as a wedding gift for young couples. While not considered “great art,” Rogers’ statuary groups were easily understood and popularly enjoyed by a vast cross-section of American people.