Life Mask (Abraham Lincoln)

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page .

IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.

View manifest View in Mirador Viewer

Object Details

Artist

Priscilla Roberts, born Glen Ridge, NJ 1916-died Georgetown, CT 2001

Sitter

Abraham Lincoln

Luce Center Label

Life Mask (Abraham Lincoln) shows two well-known sculptures—Leonard Volk's 1860 life mask of Abraham Lincoln and Nike of Samothrace, the classical sculpture of the winged goddess of victory. Life Mask (Abraham Lincoln) is open to many interpretations. The classical statue, silhouetted in the foreground, may symbolize Lincoln's victory during the Civil War, but the muted colors and deep shadows suggest a more somber meaning. Roberts leaves the viewer wondering if this painting celebrates Lincoln's legacy, represents his mortality, or suggests that victory was overshadowed by his death.

Credit Line

Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase made possible by David S. Purvis

Date

1961-1962

Object number

2009.12

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

Painting

Medium

oil on board

Dimensions

19 × 16 in. (48.3 × 40.6 cm)

See more items in

Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection

Department

Painting and Sculpture

Data Source

Smithsonian American Art Museum

Topic

Portrait male\head

Metadata Usage

Not determined

Link to Original Record

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/vk7d7e0dd0b-b05b-4d68-8feb-f576a2c6aecc

Record ID

saam_2009.12