John Caldwell Calhoun

Hiram Powers, John Caldwell Calhoun, modeled 1836, plaster, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase in memory of Ralph Cross Johnson, 1968.155.72
Copied Hiram Powers, John Caldwell Calhoun, modeled 1836, plaster, 24 1⁄8 x 18 3⁄8 x 13 7⁄8 in. (61.2 x 46.7 x 35.3 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase in memory of Ralph Cross Johnson, 1968.155.72
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Artwork Details

Title
John Caldwell Calhoun
Artist
Date
modeled 1836
Location
Dimensions
24 1⁄8 x 18 3⁄8 x 13 7⁄8 in. (61.2 x 46.7 x 35.3 cm)
Credit Line
Museum purchase in memory of Ralph Cross Johnson
Mediums
Mediums Description
plaster
Classifications
Subjects
  • Occupation — political
  • Study — sculpture model
  • Portrait male — Calhoun, John C. — bust
  • Dress — historic — classical dress
Object Number
1968.155.72
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1968.155.72

Artwork Description

Hiram Powers modeled this bust of John Caldwell Calhoun shortly after the artist arrived in Washington. Senator Calhoun was recognized as one of the most important Southerners in Washington, having served as secretary of war and vice president, and Powers felt it would be beneficial to his career to do the portrait. The bust was so successful that the state of South Carolina raised the money for a full-length statue of Calhoun. The senator helped greatly in securing this commission for Powers, writing that the sculptor’s skill was “unsurpassed.”