Abraham Lincoln Bust: The True Story Behind the Most Iconic American Portrait
Abraham Lincoln Bust: The True Story Behind the Most Iconic American Portrait
The bust of Abraham Lincoln – with its high cheekbones, deep-set eyes, and thoughtful expression – is one of the most recognisable images in American history. For over 160 years it has symbolised honesty, leadership, and resilience.
The Original 1860 Life Mask by Leonard Volk
In February 1860, just months before his nomination for president, Abraham Lincoln sat for Chicago sculptor Leonard Volk. Volk created a life mask by applying plaster directly to Lincoln’s face – capturing every detail exactly as it was. This mask is the most accurate likeness ever made of Lincoln, taken before the stresses of the presidency aged him.[1]
Volk later used the mask to create the first bust, which became the standard portrait reproduced nationwide during the Civil War.
The Defining 1863 Alexander Gardner Photograph
In February 1863, just months after issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, Abraham Lincoln sat for Scottish photographer Alexander Gardner in Washington, D.C. The resulting portrait – showing Lincoln clean-shaven, with a strong jaw and weary but determined eyes – became the defining image of the president during the Civil War.[2]
This Gardner photograph is the direct inspiration for our Acclaimed Figures bust, capturing Lincoln at the height of his leadership.
Key Features of the Authentic Lincoln Portrait
- High cheekbones and deep eye sockets – the real structure of Lincoln’s face
- Prominent brow and thoughtful gaze – captured before the beard
- Slight asymmetry – Volk kept every natural imperfection
- Clean-shaven (pre-1861) – the look America first elected
The Most Important Historical References
- Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery – original 1860 life mask by Volk
- Library of Congress – original Alexander Gardner glass plate negative (1863)
- Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York – bronze cast from Volk’s mask
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum – period reproductions
Why These Portraits Became the Standard
The 1860 Volk life mask shows Lincoln at his most energetic and hopeful. The 1863 Gardner photograph captures him at the height of the Civil War – strong, determined, and human. Together they define the Lincoln America remembers.
Lincoln Bust Replicas
Original Volk casts and Gardner photographs are priceless historical artefacts. The most accurate modern replicas are now produced in premium polyurethane resin – based directly on these iconic references.
At Acclaimed Figures we use the famous Alexander Gardner 1863 photograph as our master reference, reproducing every detail of Lincoln’s face. Available in Antique Bronze or Stone White, 26 cm tall, on an engraved charcoal base with “Abraham Lincoln 1809–1865”.
→ View the Abraham Lincoln Bust Replica
