Bust of Abraham Lincoln (Indianapolis) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Abraham Lincoln
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

The Abraham Lincoln bust is a famous sculpture. It was created by an American artist named Thomas Dow Jones. You can find this artwork in the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States.

A bust is a type of sculpture that shows only the head and shoulders of a person. This particular bust is made of painted plaster. It is a copy of an earlier clay sculpture from 1861. Many versions of this bust exist. Some are made of plaster, others of marble, and some even of bronze.

For example, a marble copy of Jones's 1861 bust is part of the Lincoln Vicksburg Monument. This monument was placed in the Ohio Statehouse in 1871. Another bronze copy is in the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Pennsylvania. You can also see a version of this bust at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.

What Does the Abraham Lincoln Bust Look Like?

This sculpture shows Abraham Lincoln, a very important American president. He is shown from his chest up, looking slightly to the left. The bust features Lincoln wearing a cape, a suit, and a special tie called a stock tie.

The bust is about 33 inches (83.82 cm) tall. It is 25 inches (63.5 cm) wide and 18 inches (45.72 cm) deep. On the lower left side, you can clearly read "Patented June 3, 1862." The artist's name, "TD Jones, sculptor," is also written on the back.

Today, this bust sits on a white wooden base. It is in a special spot in the northeast part of the Indiana Statehouse rotunda. A gold plaque below the bust shares important facts about Abraham Lincoln:

How Was This Sculpture Made?

The plaster bust of Lincoln in the Indiana Statehouse was officially protected by a patent on June 3, 1862. Thomas Dow Jones created the original bronze sculpture in 1861. Many people believe this was one of the first artworks to show Abraham Lincoln with a beard.

Important leaders from Cincinnati, Ohio, asked Thomas Dow Jones to create a sculpture of Lincoln. This happened before Lincoln became president in March 1861. Jones traveled to Springfield, Illinois, on Christmas Day. He brought letters of recommendation from important people.

Lincoln agreed to pose for Thomas Dow Jones. The artist was allowed to sculpt Lincoln's likeness at the St. Nicholas Hotel. He worked there until Lincoln's inauguration as president.

Where Has the Bust Been?

Over the years, the Lincoln bust has moved to different places within the Indiana Statehouse rotunda. In 1943, it was in the southeast corner. Later, in 1964, it moved to the west side. This move made room for a bust of Governor Henry F. Schricker in a more visible spot. Currently, the bust is in the exterior northeast part of the rotunda.

Keeping the Bust Safe

The Abraham Lincoln bust is in very good condition. Experts at the Indiana State Museum have checked it carefully. They found only a few small marks or scratches on its sides. This means the sculpture is well-preserved for everyone to enjoy.