John Slidell

Copied Hiram Powers, John Slidell, modeled 1840, plaster, 24 1⁄4 x 26 1⁄2 x 14 5⁄8 in. (61.7 x 67.2 x 37.3 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase in memory of Ralph Cross Johnson, 1968.155.26
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
John Slidell
Artist
Date
modeled 1840
Location
Dimensions
24 1⁄4 x 26 1⁄2 x 14 5⁄8 in. (61.7 x 67.2 x 37.3 cm)
Credit Line
Museum purchase in memory of Ralph Cross Johnson
Mediums
Mediums Description
plaster
Classifications
Subjects
  • Dress — historic — classical dress
  • Portrait male — Slidell, John — bust
  • Study — sculpture model
Object Number
1968.155.26
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1968.155.26

Artwork Description

Born in 1793, John Slidell grew up in New York and later settled in New Orleans. He established a successful law practice there and, in 1843, was elected to the United States Senate. This sculpture was modeled in 1840. Portrait busts were often carved with classical drapery, and Hiram Powers depicted Slidell with an ancient Greek himation, or cloak, covering his shoulders and chest. When Slidell received his marble portrait three years later, he described it as an “admirable likeness.”