Abraham Lincoln Life Mask
Artifact ID1982.50510.01
Object Type
Sculpture
Maker
Americana Treasures Foundation
(Hinsdale, IL)
Artist
Leonard Wells Volk
(American sculptor, 1828-1895)
Date
March 31, 1860 (original)
Medium
Ceramic (hydrostone)
Dimensions10 in. (25.4 cm)
Physical DescriptionA hydrostone sculpture of the life mask of Abraham Lincoln painted gold. The plaque on the bottom reads, “Replica Life Mask Cast Of Abraham Lincoln March 31, 1860 Chicago, Illinois © Americana Treasures Foundation Hinsdale, Illinois.”Historical NoteThe mask is copy of the original Life Mask of Abraham Lincoln made by Leonard Wells Volk, one of only two life masks made. It was cast on March 31, 1860, as Lincoln appeared during his first presidential campaign. Volk was a cousin by marriage of Stephen A. Douglas, and had first met Lincoln in 1858 during the Lincoln–Douglas debates. He asked Lincoln to sit for a bust during Lincoln's visit to Chicago March 1860, and began by laying wet plaster on his face to create the life mask. When he presented Lincoln with the finished bust in May, he asked if he could also make casts of his hands to assist him in future sculptures. He had an idea to sculpt Lincoln with a document in his hand, so Lincoln grasped a broom handle in his right hand as Volkd worked.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President Office of Correspondence and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 6816363)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction Note© Americana Treasures Foundation
Copyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Copyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Person Depicted
Abraham Lincoln
(President of the United States of America (1861-1865))
In Collection(s)
Related LinksMonday Minute: Abraham Lincoln Life Mask
