Hermon Atkins MacNeil

Hermon Atkins MacNeil graduated from Massachusetts Normal Art School (now Massachusetts College of Art and Design) in 1886, became an instructor in Industrial Art at Cornell University from 1886-1889, and was then a pupil of Henri M. Chapu and Alexandre Falguière in Paris. 

Returning to America, he aided Philip Martiny (1858–1927) in the preparation of sketch models for the World's Columbian Exposition, and in 1896 he won the Rinehart scholarship, passing four years (1896–1900) in Rome.

In 1906 he became a National Academician. His first important work was "The Moqui Runner," which was followed by "A Primitive Chant," and "The Sun Vow," all figures of the North American Native. Several of his earlier Native American sculptures served as the inspiration for his later contribution to the long-running Society of Medalists, "Hopi Prayer for Rain." "Fountain of Liberty," for the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, and other Native American themes came later -- his "Agnese" and his "Beatrice," which are two fine busts of women, and his nude statuettes, which echo his time spent in Rome and Paris, also deserve mention. One of his principal works is the sculpture in Columbus, Ohio, in honor of President William McKinley. In 1909 he won in competition a commission for a large soldiers' and sailors' monument in Albany, New York.

Perhaps his best-known work is as the designer of the "Standing Liberty" quarter, which was minted from 1916-1930, and carries his initial to the right of the date.

He also made "Justice, the Guardian of Liberty" on the East pediment of the United States Supreme Court building.

MacNeil was one of a dozen sculptors invited to compete in the "Pioneer Woman" statue competition in 1927, which he failed to win.

One of his last works was the "Pony Express" statue dedicated in 1940 in St. Joseph, Missouri.