The Master of Wood and Water: The Legacy of William Rush William Rush stands as a monumental figure in the annals of early American art, recognized unequivocally as the nation’s first major sculptor and a pivotal innovator who established the groundwork for subsequent artistic endeavors. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1756, his lineage traced back to Joseph Rush, a ship's carpenter, and Rebecca Lincoln, cementing his roots within the burgeoning maritime landscape of colonial America. From a young age, Rush demonstrated an exceptional aptitude for craftsmanship, apprenticing himself u…