Daniel Chester French

(Am. 1850-1931)

Seated Lincoln, 1915

Bronze

Signature and date incised on back of chair, inscribed "Roman Bronze Works NY" on l.l. back base corner

Approx. 10" x 6 5/8" x 7 1/4" actual

Provenance:

From the Artist, to Charles P. Russell; by descent to Russell's daughters 1923; gifted to Deerfield Academy by Elizabeth Russell in honor of her father, Deerfield, Massachusetts, 1960; deaccessioned from Deerfield Academy; Private Collection, New Hampshire

Literature:

Modeled in 1915 and presumably cast prior to Russell’s death in 1923. According to the notes of scholar Dr. Michael Richman, approximately seven small bronze castings of this model are believed to have been produced by French via Roman Bronze Works in his lifetime in connection with the Lincoln memorial project. French also carved the white marble relief for Russell’s monument in 1923, underscoring the close professional relationship between artist and patron.

Related examples of this model are known, including a cast that recently sold at Sothebys in 2023.

Lot includes: A copy of the Deerfield Academy appraisal referencing this bronze; a published volume documenting some of the Russell collection; and a standard reference on the work of Daniel Chester French.