On Saturday, December 2, writer and Roundtable member Michael Burke will discuss Launt Thompson, the Irish-American sculptor who rapidly rose to fame and accomplishment in the United States in the years following the American Civil War. Thompson’s success, however, was dramatically jolted at one of its highpoints and Thompson died in a state asylum. The quick rise and sudden diversion of Thompson’s success will make for a richly illustrated talk. This program will be held at 2 p.m. in the McCloskey meeting room in the parish house of the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, 263 Mulberry Street, Manhattan. A reception will follow. Suggested donation: $5.

One of the most successful American artists in the post-Civil War era was Ireland-born Launt Thompson. Raised in County Laois, he came to the United States in 1847 at age 14 with a brother and widowed mother.