Vinnie Ream
Vinnie Ream as Sculptress
27/10/24 09:22 Filed in: History
During the American Civil War, a young, poor girl became an apprentice to a known sculptor. Her name was Vinnie Ream. She was given the opportunity to sculpt Abraham Lincoln and he almost turned down this down.
"Her greatest subject, however, was President Abraham Lincoln. It was an opportunity that nearly didn’t happen. Lincoln was not simply weary from the war and the recent death of his young son Willie, but he was also weary of being subject to various forms of artistry, whether photography, painting, or sculpting.
When the idea of sitting for his bust was suggested, Lincoln apparently replied that he “was tired sitting for his likeness, and couldn’t imagine why anyone wanted to make a likeness of such a homely man.” The matter was nearly dropped when Sen. Nesmith informed Lincoln that the artist was a poor young girl from Wisconsin with immense talent. The description of Ream affected Lincoln.
“She is poor, is she? Well, that’s nothing against her,” Lincoln responded. “Why don’t you bring that girl up here? I'll sit to her for my bust.”"
Her work was inspiring. The story is found in the Epoch Times where this could be linked but does require a subscription. The photo below is from the article.
"Her greatest subject, however, was President Abraham Lincoln. It was an opportunity that nearly didn’t happen. Lincoln was not simply weary from the war and the recent death of his young son Willie, but he was also weary of being subject to various forms of artistry, whether photography, painting, or sculpting.
When the idea of sitting for his bust was suggested, Lincoln apparently replied that he “was tired sitting for his likeness, and couldn’t imagine why anyone wanted to make a likeness of such a homely man.” The matter was nearly dropped when Sen. Nesmith informed Lincoln that the artist was a poor young girl from Wisconsin with immense talent. The description of Ream affected Lincoln.
“She is poor, is she? Well, that’s nothing against her,” Lincoln responded. “Why don’t you bring that girl up here? I'll sit to her for my bust.”"
Her work was inspiring. The story is found in the Epoch Times where this could be linked but does require a subscription. The photo below is from the article.
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