Life Mask of Abraham Lincoln 1860 - 1886

This bronze life mask of Abraham Lincoln was made by Leonard Wells Volk, a sculptor, sometime in the mid-19th century. Life masks like this one are made by applying plaster directly to a subject’s face. The process begins with greasing the face for easy release, and using straws for breathing. As the plaster sets, it captures every detail of the face. The mold can then be used to create a positive image, such as this bronze cast. The transformation from plaster to bronze is significant. Bronze casting is an ancient technology, and this gives the mask a sense of permanence and importance. The act of capturing Lincoln's likeness in such a material transforms him into an icon. You can see the marks of the casting process if you look closely. It is rough in places, not highly polished. Ultimately, the mask is a powerful artifact, straddling the line between art, craft, and historical document. It captures a moment in time and asks us to consider the relationship between the individual, their image, and the historical weight they carry.