Abraham Lincoln 1864
Commissioned by Shawn Thomas. Also known as the ‘Thomas’ Abraham Lincoln.
Exhibited at The NY Historical Society, The Metropolitan Museum of Art Executive Offices, Hofstra University permanent collection, Human Rights Plaza of Argentina, and various private collections.
Project Overview
This life-size portrait bust presents the 16th President not just as a historical figure, but as the Ideal American Leader—forged in the crucible of the nation's greatest trial in 1864.
Artistic Process
During extensive research for this piece, I discovered an undocumented pathology in Lincoln’s facial structure—an insight that informed the physicality of the work while honoring the man’s iconic likeness. Balancing anatomical truth with symbolic power presented a compelling artistic challenge: to develop a new monumental style of portraiture that respects history while engaging modern viewers.
Frank Porcu takes measurements of Tony Bennett.
Frank Porcu and Tony Bennett collaborate on the bust design.
A Personal Reflection
Bringing this portrait to life under Tony’s mentorship was both humbling and transformative. His insights offered a rare glimpse into the soul of a true performer, and it was an honor to translate that into a lasting work of art. This sculpture stands not only as a tribute to his musical legacy but also to the enduring artistry of live performance.
