In Memory of President Lincoln 1865

Curator: Here we have “In Memory of President Lincoln,” a bronze relief created in 1865 by Frank Magniadas, now residing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Editor: It strikes me as a fascinating study in contrasts, the somber profile of Lincoln set against the allegorical scene feels almost... discordant. Curator: The discordance speaks to the complexities of the era. The memorial emerged in the immediate aftermath of Lincoln's assassination, a moment of intense national grief, but also of political and social upheaval following the Civil War. The decorative arts saw a flourishing of memorial objects used to process loss but were also statements on how history would view events. Editor: Indeed. If we focus on Lincoln's profile, note the exacting detail—the etched lines emphasizing the weariness etched upon his face. It captures the gravitas of a leader burdened by responsibility, but rendered in cold bronze. A masterful example of portraiture, certainly. Curator: And consider the reverse! There is "Liberty uniting America." Magniadas invokes neoclassicism to connect Lincoln with ideas and rhetoric prevalent in American intellectualism that helped lead to Abolition. The composition invokes classical allegories about republics in transition—all with an optimistic assessment. Editor: Though visually jarring at first glance, juxtaposing a realistic profile of a political figure and classical figures is an efficient method to associate concrete achievement with conceptual systems. It speaks to a need for justification via abstract forces such as "Liberty," the Nation, etc. However, it feels overdetermined. There is so much occurring here with the Angel, Children, the text block... and an eagle! Curator: Quite, a decorative abundance serving the emotional and ideological project of the moment. The nation was in the early days of constructing its narrative. Commemorative objects like these participated actively in how Lincoln's image and legacy would function publicly. Editor: So it serves not just as memorial to Lincoln but as a complex cultural artifact indicative of the historical conditions surrounding Lincoln's death. Curator: Precisely. These relief sculptures provided an opportunity to consolidate interpretations and legitimize actions within a broader historical context. Editor: Indeed, on closer inspection it feels more cohesive. Both sides work in tandem; they become greater than the sum of their visual parts, offering an eloquent perspective on loss, reconciliation, and collective aspirations during a pivotal chapter of US History.