James Buchanan

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

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Artwork Details

Title: James Buchanan
Artist: Henry Dexter
Date: ca. 1859
Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum
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Luce Foundation Center
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3rd Floor
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20B
Dimensions: 24 ⁷⁄₈ x 14 ⁷⁄₈ x 12 ¹⁄₂ in. (63.3 x 37.8 x 31.9 cm)
Credit Line: Bequest of Harriet Lane Johnston
Mediums: marble
Mediums Description: marble
Classifications: Sculpture
Subjects: 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.