Daniel Chester French, a meticulous molder of monumental images, carefully crafted the public person which helped him become one of the most successful American sculptors of his time. Dive beneath French’s ‘straight-laced’ exterior to explore the ‘queer whispers’ he left behind for us to puzzle over.

Please note: Site Admission tickets required (sold separately). Guided tours are an optional add-on to enhance your Chesterwood visit.

🔍 Become a Queer History Detective: Make use of the tools offered by queer historiography as we dissect French's life and works to reveal the complexities of his era and identity.
🎨 Explore French's Artistic Expression: Decode the sensual masterpieces of a sculptor who meticulously crafted monumental images, each hiding layers of meaning beneath the surface.
👥 Uncover Forgotten Relationships: Dive deep into French's complex – but often-overlooked – friendship with artist Newton Mackintosh, spanning over four decades, and challenge the assumptions of his straightness.
🤔 Question Presumptions, Make Your Own Determination: Engage in thought-provoking discussions and examine the evidence, as we encourage you to form your own conclusions about the extent of French's possible queerness.

Photo: Daniel Chester French and friend Ned Powers pose as Cherubs, 1870s