Lincoln Park covers over 1,000 acres of land and numerous statues that were gifted by many Chicagoans that wanted to help beautify the city and also pay honor to heroes of war, political figures and/or recognize a historic event.
Today we will focus on the one that the park is named after Abraham Lincoln. There are 32 statues of Lincoln worldwide but this is considered one of the most famous one and is titled Standing Lincoln. There are two replicas of this statue one in Parliament Square in London and the other in Mexico City.
In 1881, Eli Bates who made a fortune in the lumber business left $40,000 in his will to pay for this statue which was completed in 1887 by Augustus Saint Gaudens who was the most important sculptor in the 1800's.
During this time many statues wee made from marble but this statue is made of bronze which was Augustus' style. He also portrays his subjects in a very realistic way focusing their character and he doesn't fail us with this one.
Augustus saw Lincoln when he was 12 years old in New York and 5 years later when he viewed President Lincoln's body as it laid in state in New York. With his own memories of Lincoln, photographs and a life mask of Lincoln's face and the help of architect Stanford White he sculpts one of the most amazing statues ever.
Next time you are in or near Lincoln Park this is must see. Be sure to take your time and enjoy not only the statue but many of the inscriptions around the statue.
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