Bust of Abraham Lincoln (Indianapolis) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Abraham Lincoln |
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| Artist | Thomas Dow Jones |
| Year | 1862 |
| Type | Plaster |
| Dimensions | 83.82 cm × 63.5 cm × 45.72 cm (33 in × 25 in × 18 in) |
| Location | Indiana Statehouse, Indianapolis |
Abraham Lincoln is a famous sculpture by American artist Thomas Dow Jones. It's a bust, which means it shows only the head and shoulders of a person. This particular bust of Abraham Lincoln is located in the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States.
The bust in Indiana is a copy made from an earlier clay sculpture from 1861. Many versions of this bust were created. They were made from different materials like plaster, marble, and bronze. For example, a marble version is part of the Lincoln Vicksburg Monument in the Ohio Statehouse. Another bronze copy is at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art]. You can also find a bust by Jones in the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.
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What Does the Lincoln Bust Look Like?
This white plaster bust shows Abraham Lincoln looking slightly to his left. He is wearing a cape, a suit, and a stock tie. The sculpture is about 33 inches (83.82 cm) tall, 25 inches (63.5 cm) wide, and 18 inches (45.72 cm) long.
You can see "Patented June 3, 1862" carved on the lower left side of the bust. The artist's name, "TD Jones, sculptor," is also carved on the back. However, since this is a copy, the signature on the back is not very clear.
The bust sits on a white wooden base inside the Indiana Statehouse. It's in a special spot called a niche, which is like a carved-out space in the wall. Below the bust, there is a gold plaque. This plaque tells you about Abraham Lincoln. It lists his birth and death dates, and some important things he did. For example, it mentions he came to Indiana in 1816 and served as U.S. President from 1861 until his death in 1865.
How Was the Lincoln Bust Created?
The plaster bust of Lincoln at the Indiana Statehouse was officially patented on June 3, 1862. The very first version of this sculpture was a bronze one made in 1861. Many people believe it was one of the first sculptures to show Abraham Lincoln with a beard.
Artist Thomas Dow Jones was asked to create a portrait of Lincoln. This request came from important Republican leaders in Cincinnati. They wanted the bust made before Lincoln became president in March 1861. Jones arrived in Springfield, Illinois, on Christmas Day. He had letters of recommendation from important people like Ohio Governor Salmon P. Chase. Lincoln agreed to pose for Jones. The artist worked on the sculpture at the St. Nicholas Hotel in Springfield until Lincoln's inauguration.
Where Has the Bust Been Located?
Over the years, the Lincoln bust at the Indiana Statehouse has moved to different spots. In 1943, it was in the southeast corner of the building. By 1964, it was moved to the west side of the rotunda. This move was to make space for a bust of Governor Henry F. Schricker. Governor Schricker's bust was placed in a more visible spot facing the east door. Today, the Lincoln bust is in the northeast niche of the rotunda.
What Condition is the Bust In?
The bust is in very good condition. Experts at the Indiana State Museum keep records of its condition. They note that there are only a few small marks or scratches on the sides of the bust.
