James Buchanan

Henry Dexter, James Buchanan, ca. 1859, marble, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Harriet Lane Johnston, 1906.9.4
Copied Henry Dexter, James Buchanan, ca. 1859, marble, 24 7814 7812 12 in. (63.337.831.9 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Harriet Lane Johnston, 1906.9.4
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
James Buchanan
Artist
Date
ca. 1859
Dimensions
24 7814 7812 12 in. (63.337.831.9 cm)
Credit Line
Bequest of Harriet Lane Johnston
Mediums
Mediums Description
marble
Classifications
Subjects
  • Portrait male — Buchanan, James — nude
  • Portrait male — Buchanan, James — bust
  • Occupation — political — president
Object Number
1906.9.4

Artwork Description

Henry Dexter’s project to create a portrait gallery of the president and all the governors was long and arduous. He undertook extensive travel during a time of war and his working method involved creating multiple copies. The first step was modeling the portrait from life and casting it in plaster. He would later make a copy in marble for public display.