Sculptor Haig Patigian

Haig Patigian was a well-known San Francisco sculptor whose works adorn museums, parks and buildings in cities of the United States. He was born in the city of Van in Western Armenia. His father took up photography, but the Turkish authorities accused him of spying for Russia and he was forced to leave.

Patigian spent several years on his father’s farm in Fresno, then moved to San Francisco and began sculpting. After the great fire in San Francisco he went to Paris to perfect his art. His works include the statue of Abraham Lincoln at San Francisco City Hall, the statue of General John Pershing in Golden Gate Park, and decorative sculptures on building façades.

The photograph shows a man in a dark suit standing by the entrance of a building, holding his hat.