Abraham Lincoln: The Man (Standing Lincoln) 1884 - 1887

This bronze statuette, ‘Abraham Lincoln: The Man,’ was made by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, an Irish-American sculptor who worked in the Beaux-Arts style. Saint-Gaudens made several versions of a standing Lincoln, and this one, made after a larger monument in Chicago, presents a contemplative portrait of the American president. The chair and its symbolism are particularly interesting here: the classical carving of an eagle suggests the office of the president, and the nation he is supposed to embody. But Lincoln stands apart, not quite assuming the authority granted to him. Lincoln's presidency was defined by the Civil War and the abolition of slavery. His image has become a potent symbol of American values and ideals. When interpreting works of art, it's important to consider the social conditions that shape artistic production. Historians might research period documents, political speeches, and other historical sources, in order to shed light on the relationship between art and society.