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Originally the statue was meant to be only 10 feet, but was increased to be more in scale with the Greek inspired memorial. The memorial itself is almost 100 feet tall. Famed architect Henry Bacon designed the memorial and personally chose Daniel Chester French for the sculpture. The soaring majesty of the space enclosed by the Parthenon-like edifice and the statue must be seen in person to be fully appreciated.
Abraham Lincoln is portrayed in a less than formal sitting position. His hands are resting on the arms of the chairs in a slightly relaxed position, rather than gripping the chair, as originally intended. Speculation swirls around the position of his hands, some believing that his left hand is signing the letter A, and that his right hand is signing the letter L for his initials. This theory is bolstered by French's association with Gallaudet University [link widoczny dla zalogowanych], but is not definitely supported by anything other than coincidence.
Daniel Chester French's Depiction of Lincoln
View the pictures below by clicking on the images to enlarge. The statue that stands at 19 feet and towers over visitors would be 28 feet tall if Lincoln were standing. The figures of the artist and carvers would just come up to Lincoln's knees if they were standing on the same level. The statue is carved from 28 blocks of Georgia marble. The Tennessee marble pedestal the statue sits on adds another 10 feet, bringing the total height to a little less than 30 feet.
Lincoln's hard marble trousers and coat fold softly and naturally around his figure. His right foot is poised over the edge of the base to suggest imminent movement. The drapery he sits on that falls over the back of the chair seems to have been used purely as an artistic device. Even in person, it's difficult to see all of the details French used, the scale preventing close inspection of the small details such as buttons.
The combination of the known historical facts surrounding Abraham Lincoln (affectionately known as Honest Abe) [link widoczny dla zalogowanych], the setting, and the powerful presence of the sculpted seated figure of Lincoln has made the Lincoln Memorial a well-loved American destination. His statue and his words preside over the Washington landscape as a reminder of the enormity of ideas and deeds. Here's a look at the artistic genius of Daniel Chester French with the help of the Piccirilli brothers.
Famous for his Minute Man sculpture in Concord, Massachusetts, French was a logical choice for the Lincoln statue. French executed a 6 foot plaster model of Lincoln that was used by the Piccirilli brothers to carve the 28 blocks of marble. French's working model can be seen at his home and studio in Massachusetts, the Chesterwood Estate and Museum.
French was honored by the U.S. Postal Service on a five-cent stamp in 1940. His larger-than-life portrayal of the American hero, Abraham Lincoln [link widoczny dla zalogowanych], while grand in scale, also shows the human side of the hero. A visit to the Lincoln Memorial puts it into a full perspective not possible in pictures.
Read on
Monuments and Memorials in Washington
History Channel Lincoln Bicentennial
Lincoln's Boyhood State Marks Bicentennial
Daniel Chester French and the Piccirilli Brothers
The Lincoln Memorial Statue
Casts of Lincoln's face and hands were studied by French, which resulted in great authenticity of those features. Even without knowing the burdens upon Lincoln, his cares are clearly etched into the face of the statue.
The National Park Service, U.S.
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The craggy face and unruly hair of Lincoln are instantly recognizable. Although his eyes are aimed straight in front of him, he seems to be lost in his own thoughts rather than returning the gaze of visitors.