Mahonri Mackintosh Young

Mahonri Mackintosh Young, a sculptor and painter from Salt Lake City, came from a distinguished Mormon family, as he was the grandson of Brigham Young, second President of the church and first Governor of Utah. Mahonri Young had studied in his hometown and New York before he went for further education to Paris. After his return to Utah he won numerous awards. In 1912 he created the Seagull Monument in Salt Lake City’s Temple Square. From 1916-43 he taught at the Art Students League and wrote the book “The Realistic Revolt in American Painting.” His main works were monumental sculptures of Native Americans and projects for 20th Century Fox Studios. Later he turned to social realism and portrayed workers and peasants. He lived mainly in New York, but remained in close contact with the Mormon Church. Even though best known for his sculptures, he was also a painter and graphic artist of note. His gold medal winning sculpture of two boxers is now preserved in the Art Museum at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.