Mark Twain

Unidentified, Mark Twain, 1935, bronze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the heirs of Albert Laessle: Mrs. Albertine de Bempt Laessle, Mr. Albert M. Laessle and Mr. Paul Laessle, 1972.167.70
Copied Unidentified, Mark Twain, 1935, bronze, 3 1⁄2 x 2 1⁄4 in. (8.9 x 5.7 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the heirs of Albert Laessle: Mrs. Albertine de Bempt Laessle, Mr. Albert M. Laessle and Mr. Paul Laessle, 1972.167.70
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Mark Twain
Artist
Unidentified
Founder
Medallic Art Company
Date
1935
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
3 1⁄2 x 2 1⁄4 in. (8.9 x 5.7 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of the heirs of Albert Laessle: Mrs. Albertine de Bempt Laessle, Mr. Albert M. Laessle and Mr. Paul Laessle
Mediums
Mediums Description
bronze
Classifications
Subjects
  • Occupation — writer
  • Literature — Twain — Adventures of Tom Sawyer
  • Portrait male — Twain, Mark — knee length
Object Number
1972.167.70
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1972.167.70

Artwork Description

Under the pen name Mark Twain, American author Samuel Clemens (1835-1910) wrote several now-famous works, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. In this plaque, created to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the author’s birth, Twain appears with his flowing hair and trademark pipe. Below the portrait, Tom Sawyer stands to the left and Huck Finn to the right. The two characters accompany Twain’s witty admonition to “Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.”