John Rogers (American, 1829 – 1904) painted Civil War plaster figural sculpture titled "The Council of War" depicting President Abraham Lincoln seated and examining a map with Lt. General Ulysses Grant and Secretary of War Edwin Stanton standing behind him. Signed and titled on the base. Patented in 1868. 24 1/8" H x 17 1/8" W x 13 7/8" D. Third quarter 19th century. Note: General Grant owned a copy of this sculpture and it is still on display in the parlor of his home. Additionally, Lincoln's son Robert said that Roger's sculpture was the best likeness of his father that he had seen. Biography: John Rogers was born in Salem, Massachusetts in 1829, and by the age of 20 found he enjoyed clay modeling as a hobby. After financial troubles, he became a professional sculptor, spending six months studying in Paris and Rome in 1858. Between 1861 and 1865 he produced 14 different Civil War groups, preferring to show scenes of common soldiers and hardships at home. Eschewing bronze and marble statues, Rogers chose to cast his sculptures first in bronze, then make plaster copies to allow more Americans to be able to afford his works.

PROVENANCE: Elizabeth Ozment for the estate of Elliott Ozment, Nashville, Tennessee. Ozment was a leading Civil Rights and Immigration attorney in Nashville and former State Legislator.

CONDITION: Overall very good condition with very light and minor wear to painted surface, chipping to the base.