Hiking trip to Naples, 1871; left to right:
George Dubois, Saint-Gaudens, and Ernest Mayor

The Franco-Prussian War made it difficult for Saint-Gaudens to stay in Paris.  He went to Rome, where he set to work establishing himself as an independent sculptor. Augustus enjoyed the vibrant social life of American and European artists living in Rome. 

During the Rome years, Saint-Gaudens created cameo portraits and marble busts for wealthy American clients traveling abroad.  A few of these early clients, such as Montgomery Gibbs and William Evarts, actively promoted Saint-Gaudens' work, and thus were influential in establishing the young sculptor's career.