Abraham Lincoln Bronze Bust
Max Bachmann (1862–1921) - Roman Bronze Works, New York, 1905
27 x 16 x 10 inches
 
A striking bronze bust of a youthful, beardless Abraham Lincoln by the German-American sculptor Max Bachmann, cast by the distinguished Roman Bronze Works of New York and signed twice within the mold. The sculpture retains a rich brown patina characteristic of early twentieth-century casts from this renowned foundry, whose work represents some of the finest American bronze production of the period.
 
Bachmann’s interpretation draws upon pre-presidential imagery of Lincoln, likely inspired by the well-known 1858 ambrotype taken shortly before the Lincoln–Douglas debates. In contrast to later memorial depictions emphasizing the burdens of office, the present model captures Lincoln at a formative moment, presenting him as an emerging national figure rather than the martyred president. This approach reflects an early twentieth-century sculptural tendency to revisit Lincoln’s image through varied historical lenses, underscoring the enduring complexity of his legacy.
 
Condition: Excellent, with minimal wear and a well-preserved surface.