William Q. Judge – A Sculptor’s Appreciation

FROM THE MAY 7th 1896 ISSUE OF “THE NEW YORK JOURNAL”

(Published in “Letters That Have Helped Me” p. 299-300, Theosophy Company.)

William Quan Judge, the head of both esoteric and exoteric branches of the Theosophical Society in America, died on March 21st. August Lindstrom, a sculptor, who had never seen Mr. Judge in life, made a cast of the dead man’s head, from which he modelled the bust unveiled at Madison Square Garden during the recent convention of Theosophists. Yesterday Mr. Lindstrom said:-

“While making the death mask I was struck by the shape of Mr. Judge’s head, which was utterly unlike anything I had ever seen. Most of the heads of remarkable men show the development of one faculty in particular, or, perhaps, of several, and to the neglect of other faculties. I saw at once that Mr. Judge’s head evidenced a high and uniform development of all the faculties, well-balanced throughout. This is the remarkable combination I found: – A tremendous will power, with an equal development of gentleness; thorough practicability and adaptability conjoined to a highly idealistic nature, and a gigantic intellect hand in hand with selflessness and modesty.

“There are only two heads that I know of in history that compare with his – Michael Angelo’s and Savonarola’s. The back of Angelo’s head is almost identical with the back of Mr. Judge’s. There is a difference however, in the forehead.

“In addition to the death mask, I had six photographs to assist me in modelling the bust. A comparison of these photos is a study. One taken at the age of twenty placed by the side of one taken a year ago, when he was about forty-four years old, makes such a contrast that no one would believe they pictured the same person. It shows that by his great will power this man overcame all his youthful tendencies, with the result of completely changing the form of his skull. I make bold to say that another such highly developed head is not to be found between Maine and California. He had only time to plan his work when carried off in his prime by death. Had he lived to the age of seventy his influence would have been felt by the whole nation.

“I consider the nose as giving the best index to character of any feature. His nose was his most distinguishing feature, and shows great power and at the same time complete control over every thought and act, and although strong, it is of the delicate and sensitive type. His mouth showed tenderness and firmness present in equal proportion. His cheek bones also gave evidence of will strength. His hair was soft and showed refinement and gentleness. Taken altogether there was harmonious development, with no defects present, and careful examination of his head from every aspect proves that he was a great and noble man. If such a man as he would devote his life to the Theosophical Society, I think it must have a great mission and I shall ask to be admitted as a member.”