Joseph Henry

Object Details

Artist

Herbert Adams, born Concord, VT 1858-died New York City 1945

Sitter

Joseph Henry

Luce Center Label

Joseph Henry was the grandson of Scottish immigrants and a self-made man who became a prominent scientist. The unit of electromagnetic induction is named the “henry” after him. In 1846, in recognition of his abilities as a scientist, professor, and leader, he was chosen to be the first secretary and director of the Smithsonian Institution. This plaster bust was cast from a full-size bronze in the Library of Congress. The larger statue is one of sixteen that encircle the rotunda, symbolizing different elements of human achievement. Henry represents man’s accomplishments in science.

Credit Line

Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum acquisition

ca. 1911

Object number

XX1

Restrictions & Rights

CC0

Type

Sculpture

Medium

painted plaster

Dimensions

12 x 18 x 21 in. (30.4 x 45.7 x 53.2 cm)

See more items in

Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection

Department

Painting and Sculpture

Smithsonian American Art Museum

Topic

Portrait male\bust

Dress\ceremonial\academic dress

Record ID

saam_XX1

Metadata Usage (text)

CC0

GUID (Link to Original Record)

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/vk7307cb493-cd4b-4e78-b42f-75a210aa9152