Life Cast of Abraham Lincoln's Left Hand by Leonard Wells Volk

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Artifact Overview

In May 1860, sculptor Leonard Volk made plaster casts of the hands of the Republican presidential nominee, Abraham Lincoln. Volk was thinking of using these castings along with his recently completed bust of Lincoln to create a full-length statue. This casting -- made from the original but at a later date -- depicts the left hand of the soon-to-be president.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Cast (Sculpture)

Subject Date

21 May 1860

Creator Notes

The original cast was taken by Leonard Wells Volk; it is undetermined where this copy was produced

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

89.0.871.2

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Plaster

Technique

Casting (Process)

Color

Cream (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 3 in
Width: 4.5 in
Length: 7 in

Inscriptions

Imprinted on end: IMPRESSED A LINCOLN 1860
Life Cast of Abraham Lincoln's Left Hand by Leonard Wells Volk