Joseph Henry

Herbert Adams, Joseph Henry, ca. 1911, painted plaster, 12 x 18 x 21 in. (30.4 x 45.7 x 53.2 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum acquisition, XX1
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Artwork Details

Title
Joseph Henry
Artist
Date
ca. 1911
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
12 x 18 x 21 in. (30.4 x 45.7 x 53.2 cm)
Credit Line
Museum acquisition
Mediums
Mediums Description
painted plaster
Classifications
Subjects
  • Dress — ceremonial — academic dress
  • Portrait male — Henry, Joseph — bust
Object Number
XX1
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/XX1

Artwork Description

Joseph Henry was the grandson of Scottish immigrants and a self-made man who became a prominent scientist. The unit of electromagnetic induction is named the “henry” after him. In 1846, in recognition of his abilities as a scientist, professor, and leader, he was chosen to be the first secretary and director of the Smithsonian Institution. This plaster bust was cast from a full-size bronze in the Library of Congress. The larger statue is one of sixteen that encircle the rotunda, symbolizing different elements of human achievement. Henry represents man’s accomplishments in science.

Works by this artist (1036 items)

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William H. Johnson, Breakdown with Flat Tire, ca. 1940-1941, oil on plywood, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1967.59.587
Breakdown with Flat Tire
Artist
Dateca. 1940-1941
oil on plywood
On view
William H. Johnson, Chain Gang, ca. 1939, oil on plywood, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1967.59.675
Chain Gang
Artist
Dateca. 1939
oil on plywood
On view
William H. Johnson, Ferry Boat Trip, ca. 1943-1944, oil on paperboard, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1967.59.1011
Ferry Boat Trip
Artist
Dateca. 1943-1944
oil on paperboard
On view
William H. Johnson, Young Pastry Cook, ca. 1928-1930, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1967.59.693
Young Pastry Cook
Artist
Dateca. 1928-1930
oil on canvas
On view

Audio

Stop 191: Joseph Henry

Joseph Henry
about 1911, painted plaster

HERBERT ADAMS
(Born: Concord, Vermont 1858– Died: New York, New York 1945) 

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