Lincoln Memorial Sketch Model

American sculptor Daniel Chester French was chosen to create the statue that would be the centerpiece of the new Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. After consultations with Henry Bacon, the architect and his longtime personal friend, French decided to have the president seated. The first tentative model for the statue was this fast sketch model. Fine details weren't important at this early stage. The sketch model was intended to be a general idea of the possible final statue. This first draft model is interesting as it was eventually mirrored into the final design. The projecting left leg and foot were moved back under the seat while the opposite foot and leg were extended. The clenched and relaxed hands were switched as well. The chair was eventually turned into a smooth monolithic throne. The massive marble statue today unmistakably reflects this first early design. The sketch model can be seen today in the studio at Chesterwood. It sits on the edge of the six-foot model that dominates the room.