Recognized for his skill in creating sculpture of classical figures in an ornamental style, Edward McCartan was a New York state based artist much influenced by French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon. Many of McCartan's subjects were of Greek mythology such as his well known "Diana," a nude figure struggling with a dog, which emphasizes the muscular tension and strong body lines of both subjects.

In Lincoln Park of Chicago, he created in 1922 the "Eugene Field Memorial" which won a medal of honor from the Architectural League, which was a commemoration of the poet and journalist who was known for his ten volumes of writings and his regular column, 'Sharps and Flats' in the "Chicago Morning News". The central figure of the monument had ...