John Slidell

Hiram Powers, John Slidell, modeled 1840, plaster, 24 1426 1214 58 in. (61.767.237.3 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
Dimensions
24 1426 1214 58 in. (61.767.237.3 cm)
Credit Line
Museum purchase in memory of Ralph Cross Johnson
Mediums
Mediums Description
plaster
Classifications
Subjects
  • Dress — historic — classical dress
  • Study — sculpture model
  • Portrait male — Slidell, John — bust
Object Number
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.”

Works by this artist (3 items)

Emanuel Martinez, Farm Workers' Altar, 1967, acrylic on mahogany and plywood, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the International Bank of Commerce in honor of Antonio R. Sanchez, Sr., 1992.95
Farm Workers’ Altar
Date1967
acrylic on mahogany and plywood
On view
Emanuel Martinez, Tierra o Muerte, 1967, screenprint on manila folder, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1996.8, © 1967, Emanuel Martinez
Tierra o Muerte
Date1967
screenprint on manila folder
Not on view
Emanuel Martinez, Cesar Chavez, n.d., pencil on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Haynes Family, Jorge, Roxanne, Rebecca and Ben, 1998.155
Cesar Chavez
Daten.d.
pencil on paper
Not on view