3D Tour Abraham Lincoln's Life Mask

Grade Range: 5-12
Resource Type(s): Primary Sources, Interactives & Media
Date Posted: 11/18/2013

In this tour, take a close look at a life mask made of Abraham Lincoln in 1865 and gain insight into his life during the Civil War. Pair this tour with a 3D tour of a life mask made in 1860 to consider the impact of the war on Lincoln. Life masks were very popular in the nineteenth century because they created a near-duplicate of the sitter’s features. Throughout the Civil War, Lincoln was also very careful to make himself "visible" to the American people. This was evidence of his dedication, and there was no better evidence of his work than the lines on his face. Lincoln was well aware of how the war had aged and tired him.


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