Davida and "Novy" at home in Connecticut

Davida Johnson Clark and Louis Paul Clark

Davida Johnson Clark (1869-1910) was an artist’s model who posed for Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Born Albertina Hultgren or Hulgren, in Sweden, she immigrated to New York as a child. She received her new name from Saint-Gaudens, who coined "Davida" presumably after Michelangelo's sculpture David. Davida was the model for the Morgan Tomb angels in 1879, and became the sculptor's mistress shortly thereafter. Davida continued to model for Saint-Gaudens throughout their relationship, which lasted until the sculptor's illness kept him confined to Cornish. 

In 1889, the couple had a son whom they named Louis. Louis Clark (died 1958), or "Novy," as the boy was called, enjoyed a close relationship with Louis St. Gaudens and his wife, Annetta. Louis and Annetta provided the funds for Louis to move to California after his mother's death, where he became a farmer and father.