Erastus Dow Palmer: A Pioneer of American Neo-Classicism Erastus Dow Palmer (April 2, 1817 – March 9, 1904) stands as a pivotal figure in the history of American sculpture, marking the genesis of a distinctly neoclassical aesthetic within the nation’s artistic landscape. Born in Pompeii, New York—a town steeped in Roman heritage—Palmer's early life foreshadowed his lifelong dedication to classical ideals and craftsmanship. His father,…