Lincoln memorial seated

Monumental marble sculpture of Abraham Lincoln seated, located at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., designed by Daniel Chester French.

About this subject

The Abraham Lincoln statue at the Lincoln Memorial is one of the most iconic sculptures in the United States. Carved by Daniel Chester French and executed by the Piccirilli brothers, the work stands approximately 19 feet tall and weighs 175 tons. The monument was dedicated on May 30, 1922, after eight years of construction. The seated pose, with Lincoln gazing toward the Washington Monument and the Capitol, symbolizes vigilance and reflection on the nation.

The statue was sculpted from 28 blocks of white Georgia marble, quarried from a single site near Tate. Every detail was meticulously crafted: his right hand rests on the arm of the chair, while his left hand is slightly clenched, representing both strength and compassion. The memorial walls bear inscriptions of two of his most famous speeches: the Gettysburg Address and his Second Inaugural Address.

The Lincoln Memorial is a landmark of the civil rights movement. It was there that Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963. The statue has become an icon of the struggle for equality and social justice, visited by millions annually. Nighttime lighting enhances Lincoln's serene expression, creating an atmosphere of contemplation.

Interestingly, the chair in which Lincoln sits is an American state chair, with arms decorated with fasces, a symbol of authority. The sculpture underwent restoration in 2019, including cleaning and removal of decades of grime. The memorial has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1966.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who sculpted the Lincoln statue at the Lincoln Memorial?

The statue was designed by Daniel Chester French and carved by the Piccirilli brothers, a family of Italian sculptors.

What material is the Lincoln statue made of?

The statue is made of white Georgia marble, quarried from a single site in Tate. It consists of 28 blocks totaling 175 tons.

How tall is the Lincoln statue at the Memorial?

The statue stands approximately 19 feet tall, including the pedestal, and weighs 175 tons.