1. Material:
  2. metal (543)

Taking the Oath and Drawing Rations

Creator:
John Rogers
Location:
New York
Origin Date:
1865
Materials:
metal
Measurements:
overall: 22 1/2 in x 13 in x 9.5 cm
Item ID:
71.2009.081.0840
Holding Institution:
Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, courtesy of the Indiana State Museum
Available for Viewing:
No
Category:
Fine Art

Description

This statue is comprised of four different figures. To the viewer's left is a young male African American figure. He is bare-footed and wearing tattered overalls and shirt while leaning on folded arms on a basket that sits atop a barrel. Behind him, is the tallest figure: a soldier. He has a mustache and is wearing his military coat and pants, with his hat doffed in respect to the female figure. The soldier holds his hat in his left hand just above his head. In his right hand, he is holding a book upon which the woman is making her oath. To the viewer's right of the soldier, is a Southern woman. Her long hair is pulled back with ribbon and she is wearing a long dress that has a buttoned and collared bodice, and shawl. Her right hand is touching the book, swearing her oath, while her left hand rests on her son's head. The young boy is the farthest most right figure. He is half hidden by his mother's skirts, which he is clutching. He is wearing shoes, short pants, and a shirt. The figures stand on an oblong base. On the top of the base in the front is an etching that reads, "John Rogers New York." On the front of the base is an etching that reads, "Taking the Oath Drawing Rations." On the rear is an etching that reads, "patent applied for." The note on this piece of Rogers sculpture in a checklist published in 1960 by Vrest Orton states: "After the war many Southern families were obliged to ask the government for food. When they did so, they were compelled to take the oath of allegiance. The group represents a Southern lady with her little boy reluctantly taking the oath of allegiance from a Union officer in order to draw rations. The young African American is watching the proceedings while he waits to have the basket filled for his mistress." Part of the Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, courtesy of the Indiana State Museum