General John J. Pershing

Copied Moses Wainer Dykaar, General John J. Pershing, 1932, plaster, 23 3420 3812 12 in. (60.351.631.8 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1932.12.3
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
General John J. Pershing
Date
1932
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
23 3420 3812 12 in. (60.351.631.8 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of the artist
Mediums
Mediums Description
plaster
Classifications
Keywords
  • Dress — uniform — military uniform
  • Occupation — military — general
  • Portrait male — Pershing, John J. — bust
Object Number
1932.12.3

Artwork Description

General John Joseph “Black Jack” Pershing was commander in chief of the American Expeditionary Force in France during World War I. Pershing admired this portrait by Moses Dykaar, and a close friend of his, General George Squier, organized a campaign to buy the bust. The promoter of the campaign, Alfred Layton, saw this as an opportunity to make his own fortune and sent out thousands of letters asking for money in Squier’s name. He raised a total of eleven thousand dollars and in 1934 was indicted for fraud.