Join us for a captivating series of talks delving into the history and legacy of some of New York City’s most iconic institutions, spaces, and landmarks. From the architecture of the Gilded Age to the preservation of historic neighborhoods in the twentieth century, this series invites art and architectural historians to present the stories behind New York’s distinctive urban and cultural landscape, highlighting the vision, innovation, and determination that built Old New York. 

On July 30, historian Henry Wiencek presents Stan and Gus: Art, Ardor, and the Friendship that Built the Gilded Age (Farr, Straus and Giroux, 2025).  Stanford White was a louche man-about-town and a canny cultural entrepreneur—the creator of landmark buildings that elevated American architecture to new heights. Augustus Saint-Gaudens was the son of an immigrant shoemaker, a moody introvert, and a committed procrastinator whose painstaking work brought emotional depth to American sculpture. They met when Stan was walking down the street and heard Gus whistling Mozart in his studio. They pursued their own careers in Italy and France, then came together again in New York, where they maintained an intimate friendship and partnership that defined the art of the Gilded Age. In Stan and Gus: Art, Ardor, and the Friendship that Built the Gilded Age, acclaimed historian Henry Wiencek sets the two men’s relationship within the larger story of the American Renaissance, where millionaires’ commissions and delusions of grandeur collided with secret upper-class clubs, new aesthetic ideas, and two ambitious young men to yield work of lasting beauty. 

Henry Wiencek, a nationally prominent historian and writer, is the author of several books, including The Hairstons: An American Family in Black and White (1999), which won the National Book Critics Circle Award, and most recently, Master of the Mountain: Thomas Jefferson and His Slaves (2012).

This event is sponsored by Nedra and Richard Koplin, who wish to thank all of those associated with The Mount as they continue to build its historic legacy.

TICKETS ON SALE MAY 12!
National Committee Members’ pre-sale starts April 29
Members’ pre-sale starts May 5

$10 – Mount Members
$15 – General Admission
Free for Students

Interested in becoming a Member? Join today.

• This one-hour talk takes place in The Mount’s Stable Auditorium, an indoor, climate controlled venue adjacent to the parking lot. Limited accessible parking is available in front of the Stable.
• Seating for all programs at The Mount is first come, first served. If you have seating preferences, we recommend arriving fifteen minutes early.
• Accessible seating is available! Please phone us in advance to discuss arrangements: 413-551-5111; ext. #2
• A book signing will follow this talk. Books can be purchased from The Mount Bookstore at the event or online from Bookshop.org.

Questions? Email: programs@edithwharton.org

What accessibility accommodations does The Mount offer? The Mount is a Massachusetts Cultural Council UP designated organization welcoming participants of all disabilities. Please contact us by phone: 413-551-5100 or by email: info@edithwharton.org to discuss accommodations needed to participate fully in this event. Golf carts will be available to shuttle those with mobility concerns between the parking lot and event venue. View The Mount’s Health and Safety Guidelines.