Life Mask of Abraham Lincoln by Leonard Wells Volk
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Artifact Overview
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 Details
Artifact
Life mask
Subject Date
31 March 1860
Creators
Place of Creation
Creator Notes
Original cast made by Leonard W. Volk in Chicago, Illinois.
Location
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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Related Content
Set
The Lincolns in Springfield
- 14 Artifacts
Abraham and Mary Lincoln purchased a small home in Springfield, Illinois in 1844, shortly after their marriage. In 1856, with a growing family and income, they enlarged the house, seen here. After the 1860 election, they sold most of their furnishings and rented the house. This print, published in 1865 is likely a memorial - it shows a bearded Lincoln, though he did not have one in 1858.