Life Mask of Abraham Lincoln by Leonard Wells Volk
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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.
Keywords

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