Life Mask of Abraham Lincoln by Leonard Wells Volk

Summary

In the spring of 1860, Abraham Lincoln sat for sculptor Leonard Volk. Volk made a plaster cast of the future president's features in preparation for a portrait bust. Volk used the piece for later works, including a full-length statue. Following Lincoln's assassination, other artists consulted this unique three-dimensional document for drawings, paintings and other sculptures.

In the spring of 1860, Abraham Lincoln sat for sculptor Leonard Volk. Volk made a plaster cast of the future president's features in preparation for a portrait bust. Volk used the piece for later works, including a full-length statue. Following Lincoln's assassination, other artists consulted this unique three-dimensional document for drawings, paintings and other sculptures.

Artifact

Life mask

Subject Date

31 March 1860

Creators

Volk, Leonard Wells, 1828-1895 

Place of Creation

United States, Illinois, Chicago 

Creator Notes

Original cast made by Leonard W. Volk in Chicago, Illinois.

With Liberty & Justice For All
 On Exhibit

at Henry Ford Museum in With Liberty & Justice for All

Object ID

89.0.872.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Plaster

Technique

Casting (Process)

Color

Cream (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 6 in

Width: 8 in

Length: 9 in

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