John H. Rogers, The Council of War, Sculpture

JOHN H. ROGERS (American, 1829 - 1904), "The Council of War," 1868, Painted Plaster Sculptures of President Abraham Lincoln, Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, and General Ulysses S. Grant {Approximate dimensions overall: 25 x 17 x 12 inches. }. Patented March 3, 1868 on base verso. Version A. Lincoln is depicted discussing the progress of the war with General Grant and Secretary of War Stanton. This was one of the most popular Rogers Group sculptures, and was produced from its 1868 copyright date through at least the early 1900s. Three versions were produced, each with slightly different poses for Secretary Stanton. This is the first version, with Stanton's hands apparently polishing his glasses just behind Lincoln's head. This pose had a likely unintentional resonance with the assassination, and the hands were moved away from Lincoln's head in later versions. Note: Version A. Lincoln is depicted discussing the progress of the war with General Grant and Secretary of War Stanton. This was one of the most popular Rogers Group sculptures, and was produced from its 1868 copyright date through at least the early 1900s. Three versions were produced, each with slightly different poses for Secretary Stanton. This is the first version, with Stanton's hands apparently polishing his glasses just behind Lincoln's head. This pose had a likely unintentional resonance with the assassination, and the hands were moved away from Lincoln's head in later versions.