The Council of War
Artist: John Rogers (American, 1829-1904)
Date: 1868
Dimensions:
H: 24 in. (61 cm); L (base): 15 in. (38.1 cm); Depth: 13 in. (33 cm)
Medium: Plaster of paris, painted bronze
Classification: Sculpture
Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. William H. Hill
Object number: 1953.163
Label Text:Known for his tabletop sculpture groups of scenes of everyday life, John Rogers here creates an imagined meeting between General Ulysses S. Grant (1822–1885), President Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865), and Secretary of War Edwin Stanton (1814–1869) concerning the Civil War. It was his first sculpture to portray nationally known individuals, and the painted plaster casts sold briskly at 20 dollars each.
Secretary of War Stanton wrote to Rogers: “…you were especially fortunate in your execution of the figure of President Lincoln. In form and feature it surpasses any effort to embody the expression of that great man which I have seen.” Lincoln’s son, Tad, agreed, declaring it the best likeness of his father that he had ever seen.
Secretary of War Stanton wrote to Rogers: “…you were especially fortunate in your execution of the figure of President Lincoln. In form and feature it surpasses any effort to embody the expression of that great man which I have seen.” Lincoln’s son, Tad, agreed, declaring it the best likeness of his father that he had ever seen.
DescriptionLeft to Right: Grant, Lincoln, Secretary of War Stanton
On view
In Collection(s)