| Artist |
Thomas Ball |
| Date |
1853 |
| Description |
Standing figure of Daniel Webster, facing forward with head turned slightly to left. High prominent forehead, deep set eyes and stern mouth. Subject is depicted wearing a tail coat, with his right hand tucked into his coat above his waist. A draped architectural element is depicted to the right of the subject along with two books; the drapery over the architectural element continues around the rear of the base behind the figure, where evidence of signage can be found.
Daniel Webster (1782- 1852), American Statesman, was born in Salisbury, New Hampshire. Aspiring to but never attaining the Presidency of the United States, Webster's political career included terms as a Congressman, Senator, and Secretary of State. His eloquence as a speaker and writer, however, earned him the widest renown. Attacking the growth of sectionalism and states rights, he was a great champion of the bonds of the Federal Union. In his famous debate of 1830, Webster proclaimed, "Liberty and union, one and inseparable, now and forever."
This statuette is a replica of a figure modelled by Thomas Ball (1819-1911), son of a Charlestown, Massachusetts, house and sign painter. C.W. Nichols obtained the copyright to reproduce this popular statuette, making it one of the earliest examples of mass-produced American sculpture. Ball also gained notoriety through the sale of the Webster casting, becoming one of the country's leading sculptors in the post-Civil War era.
|
| Dimensions |
H-29.75 W-12 D-11 inches |
| Material |
Bronze |
| Medium |
Bronze |
| Object ID |
1973.21.01 |
| Object Name |
Sculpture |
| Signed Name |
T Ball Sculpt/ Boston Mass/ 1853 |
| Sig Loc |
Incised on back of base |
| Technique |
Cast |
| Title |
Daniel Webster |
|
