Abraham Lincoln 1864 Bust
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.
Acclaimed historian Harold Holzer called Porcu’s bust of Lincoln “A meaningful extension of cultural diplomacy.”
Civil Rights Plaza, Argentina
“The City of Lincoln, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, expresses its profound appreciation to Frank Porcu, whose visit and artistic vision have left a lasting cultural and symbolic legacy in our community. Through this work, Frank Porcu has helped create not only a monument but a lasting expression of the values we seek to uphold as a society.
His contribution continues to inspire our community and strengthen the enduring bond between our city and the legacy of Abraham Lincoln.”
– Nancy Roseti, Director of International Relations, City of Lincoln, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina
New York Historical Society
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, Frank 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.
