About Daniel Chester French

  • Biography

    From New England, Daniel Chester French became one of the leading sculptors of the late 19th and early 20th centuries and is credited as a major influence in turning public preference from the style of Neo-Classicism* to Realism*. His naturalistic style was revolutionary because it featured historical figures in authentic clothing rather than romanticized, allegorical garb.

    Many works by French are large public monuments. His first major commission was Minute Man, a Revolutionary War commemorative piece unveiled in April, 1875 for Concord, Massachusetts when he was age 24. His last major work, dedicated in 1922, was the 'larger than life' seated figure of Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC. De...

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