Video
Abraham Lincoln: The Man
Transcript
Lincoln stands with his left leg in front of his right leg and slightly bent at the knee, as if he has just risen from the Chair. His left arm is bent as he grasps the lapel of his coat, perhaps to smooth it down. His right arm is tucked behind him with a small bend in the elbow. His right hand rests on his lower back. His head is gently bowed in contemplation. We get the sense that Lincoln is immersed in a private moment of deep thought. Maybe he’s preparing to deliver an important speech or message. His strong, open posture and reflective expression imbues many with a sense of calm and quiet.
Saint-Gaudens paid close attention to detail. He sculpted all the folds and ripples of Lincoln's clothing, the wrinkles above his brow, and messy waves in his hair. He was not interested in depicting Lincoln as merely the polished Head of State. Rather, he wanted this monument to honor the integrity of Lincoln’s character and basic humanity.
The six-and-a-half-foot grand Chair of State waits behind Abraham Lincoln. Rigid, ornate, and oversized, the Chair is symbolic of the United States government. Saint-Gaudens chose to exaggerate its size to express that nobody, not even Lincoln, can fill its seat. It stands on four sturdy legs that curve elegantly into a spiraled design at the top. At the bottom, a lion’s paw supports each of the four legs. The seat of the chair, a large, flat square, waits just below Lincoln’s knee-length coat. The chair back is wider than it is tall, and curves slightly inward at either end. A huge bald eagle with wings outstretched is emblazoned onto it.
Description
A detailed audio description of Abraham Lincoln: The Man ("The Standing Lincoln") by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, located on the grounds of Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park.
Duration
1 minute, 40 seconds
Credit
NPS
Date Created
06/30/2026
Copyright and Usage Info