James Buchanan

Media - 1906.9.4 - SAAM-1906.9.4_1 - 32
Copied Henry Dexter, James Buchanan, ca. 1859, marble, 24 7⁄8 x 14 7⁄8 x 12 1⁄2 in. (63.3 x 37.8 x 31.9 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
Location
Dimensions
24 7⁄8 x 14 7⁄8 x 12 1⁄2 in. (63.3 x 37.8 x 31.9 cm)
Markings
back: H. Dexter. Sculptor
Credit Line
Bequest of Harriet Lane Johnston
Mediums
Mediums Description
marble
Classifications
Keywords
  • Portrait
  • Occupation — political — president
  • Portrait male — Buchanan, James — bust
  • Portrait male — Buchanan, James — nude
Object Number
1906.9.4
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/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.