Artist: Gary Lee Price
Title: Abraham Lincoln Bench
Medium: Bronze
Dimensions: 54"h x 70"w
"I created the towering 6’4” Lincoln in repose, enjoying a few minutes of reflection as he is about to address the nation with 272 of the most memorable, powerful words ever uttered; the Gettysburg Address. He followed Edward Everett, the greatest orator of the time, who delivered a lengthy 2 hour discourse. Everett wrote Lincoln the next day of the 10 sentence speech, 'I should be glad if I could flatter myself that I came as near to the central idea of the occasion, in the two hours, as you did in two minutes.' Lincoln not only helped dedicate a National Cemetery he rallied our young nation to, 'a new birth of freedom and that our government of the people, by the people, and for the people should not perish from the earth.' Lincoln’s high-hat was necessary for his frequent journeys. It served him as a desk and he was often seen jotting down ideas and placing his notes inside the lining. From the beginning his insatiable thirst for knowledge served him well. Books meant everything to Lincoln and at one time he even was quoted as saying, 'My best friend is the man who’ll get me a book I ain’t read.' I portrayed Abe with an inviting smile- contrary to most solemn photographs. He loved to tell jokes and was known for his hearty laugh. He loved people, often greeting them with a 'howdy, howdy,' followed by a two handed clasp of friendship. I invite you to sit with and get to know even better this amazingly simple and yet complex man that was our 16th president." Gary Lee Price
Part of Price's Great Contributor series, this is a sculpture of Abraham Lincoln seated on a bench. The figure is rendered with considerable realism and detail, depicted in a relaxed posture with one arm extended along the backrest of the bench,holding his hat, and the other resting on the thigh, holding some books. The sculpture includes the entirety of the bench as part of the work. The figure is dressed in his iconic attire, including a buttoned suit and bow tie, with a distinct beard and combed hair,. The texture of the clothing, the creases, and folds are meticulously crafted. Overall, the piece pays tribute not only to Lincoln's accomplishments, but also his person.