Seated in History: Gutzon Borglum’s Vision of Abraham Lincoln

Gutzon Borglum, one of the most influential American sculptors of the 20th century, is best known for his monumental work on Mount Rushmore. However, his career extended beyond this iconic national monument, encompassing a wide range of works that celebrated both the grandeur of American history and the intricacies of the human form. One of Borglum’s most renowned sculptures is his Seated Lincoln, a poignant bronze representation of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. This sculpture not only highlights Borglum’s technical prowess but also reveals his ability to capture the emotional depth and legacy of the figure it portrays.

Born in 1867 in St. Charles, Idaho, Gutzon Borglum was the son of Danish immigrants who encouraged his artistic development. He began his formal education at the Art Institute of Chicago and later studied in Paris, where he absorbed the European influences that would shape his artistic style. Borglum’s early works were influenced by classical traditions, but his exposure to modernist ideas led him to develop a more expressive approach. His deep interest in American history and figures of national significance would later come to define much of his career.

Borglum’s Seated Lincoln, created in 1911, reflects his fascination with Lincoln as a symbol of wisdom, leadership, and the struggle for unity during America’s Civil War. The bronze sculpture was commissioned by a group of businessmen in New York City who sought a fitting tribute to the President. Standing at over 10 feet tall, the sculpture features Lincoln seated in a chair, his figure poised yet thoughtful, with his right hand resting on the armrest and his left hand grasping a document. His face, etched with lines of determination and compassion, conveys a quiet strength, highlighting his role as a leader during one of the most tumultuous periods in American history.

Borglum’s craftsmanship in Seated Lincoln demonstrates his skill in capturing the intricacies of human expression. Unlike some of his other works, which focused on dramatic, larger-than-life depictions, the Seated Lincoln presents a more intimate and contemplative view of the president. The sculpture’s attention to detail—the furrowed brow, the taut muscles, and the solemn expression—reflects Borglum’s deep understanding of Lincoln as both a man and a symbol. It transcends the historical figure to evoke a universal sense of leadership and moral resolve.

In addition to its technical excellence, the Seated Lincoln also represents Borglum’s belief in the transformative power of art. He saw his sculptures not merely as representations of historical figures, but as embodiments of the ideals and values that those figures stood for. The Seated Lincoln stands as a meditation on Lincoln’s legacy, inviting viewers to reflect on the challenges and triumphs of the American experience.

While the Seated Lincoln has become a respected work in its own right, it also provides valuable insight into Borglum’s broader artistic vision. His work on Mount Rushmore, where he carved the faces of four U.S. Presidents into the granite cliffs of the Black Hills, remains his most famous achievement. However, the Seated Lincoln demonstrates his versatility as a sculptor, capable of conveying both the grandeur and the human side of history. It also underscores his ability to render emotional depth, an essential quality in the depiction of such a revered figure as Abraham Lincoln.

Gutzon Borglum’s Seated Lincoln is a remarkable testament to his skill, vision, and deep engagement with American history. Through this sculpture, Borglum not only honored Lincoln’s legacy but also contributed to the broader cultural and artistic conversations of his time. As a piece of art, it stands as a powerful reminder of the enduring qualities of leadership, wisdom, and courage.

Doyle is pleased to present at auction a bronze maquette for this monument, cast in 1910 by the Gorham Foundry. Borglum authorized a small group of castings in several sizes for sale to collectors, this example representing the largest of three versions of the maquettes. This sculpture, enhanced by the original rich deep brown patina, has passed through three generations of the same California family. 

American Art

Auction Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 10am
Exhibition October 4 - 6

Lot 18
Gutzon Borglum
American, 1867-1941
Maquette for the Lincoln Memorial in Newark, New Jersey, 1910
Signed © Gutzon Borglum on the bench and stamped Gorham Co. Founders Q501 at the base
Bronze with a rich brown patina
Height 21 7/8 inches
Property of a California Private Collector
Estimate $50,000-80,000
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