1. Creator/Author:
  2. Leonard W. Volk (11)

Abraham Lincoln LIfe Mask

Creator:
Leonard W. Volk
Location:
Illinois, Cook County, Chicago
Origin Date:
1860
Materials:
composition
Measurements:
overall: 17 in x 9 in x 6 1/2 in
Item ID:
71.2009.081.0805
Holding Institution:
Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, courtesy of the Indiana State Museum
Available for Viewing:
No
Category:
Fine Art

Description

This piece is a replica of the life mask of Abraham Lincoln done in 1860 by Leonard Wells Volk. The sculptor covered Lincoln's face with a coat of plaster and pulled it off in one piece once the plaster had dried. The mask shows the details of Lincoln's skin, jaw line, and ears. The mask rests on a pedestal with a square base. On the front of the pedestal is engraved, "Life Mask of Lincoln." On the PL side of the pedestal, it is possible to see an engraving that reads, "By VOLK Chicago A_____t 60." The word that begins with a capital "A" could be August. On the back of the bust, it is possible to see the outline of the supporting structure that connects the face portion to the pedestal. The piece is plaster with a sheet copper covering. For more information on the sculptural studies of Lincoln by Leonard W. Volk see "Lincoln Lore" issues 241, 1047, and 1421-1425. Part of the Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, courtesy of the Indiana State Museum