Lincoln

Copied Gutzon Borglum, Lincoln, ca. 1911, bronze on granite base, 18 349 589 14 in. (47.624.623.4 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Robert Weppner, 1975.78
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Lincoln
Date
ca. 1911
Dimensions
18 349 589 14 in. (47.624.623.4 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Robert Weppner
Mediums
Mediums Description
bronze on granite base
Classifications
Keywords
  • Occupation — political — president
  • Portrait male — Lincoln, Abraham — head
Object Number
1975.78

Artwork Description

Gutzon Borglum sculpted several portraits of Abraham Lincoln, including the monumental head carved into Mount Rushmore, a full-length statue for the front of the courthouse in Newark, New Jersey, and a colossal marble head for the U.S. Capitol. To understand his subject’s character, he examined photographs of Lincoln’s face, read extensively about the former president, and studied the famous life mask created by sculptor Leonard Volk in 1860. Here he presents Lincoln as a dignified man, weathered by the events of his life and career.