Wright Charles Cushing N a (1 results)

A handsome bust portrait in high relief of Daniel Webster, depicting the great American statesman in right profile. Daniel Webster, one of the greatest American statesmen of the antebellum period, served as United States Secretary of State (1841-43, 1850-52) and represented Massachusetts in the United States Senate (1827-41, 1845-50). He protected the vested interests of New England and took a middle-of-the-road stand against slavery. His writings and speeches have been collected into eighteen volumes. He is the arbitrator in the classic short story by Stephen Vincent Benet, THE DEVIL AND DANIEL WEBSTER. Charles Cushing Wright, noted medalist and engraver, took up engraving while working for a silversmith in Utica, New York about 1817, and worked briefly in Albany and New York City before going to Savannah, Georgia in 1819. In 1820, after losing all his possessions in the great fire in Savannah, he moved to Charleston. There he married the still-life and portrait artist, Lavinia Dorothy Simons. In 1823 the Wrights moved to New York City and there spent the rest of their lives. Charles Cushing Wright was a founder of the National Academy and frequently exhibited there and at the American Art-Union. The National Portrait Gallery locates two examples of this medal: National Portrait Gallery (acquired 1977); Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (acquired 1945). GROCE & WALLACE, p.704 See National Portrait Gallery website. Bronze medal, 2 5/16 inches in diameter. Dark brown patina. Excellent condition. Struck on the obverse: "DANIEL WEBSTER / C.C. WRIGHT D & F." Struck on the reverse: "LIBERTY AND UNION, NOW AND FOREVER. ONE AND INSEPARABLE / I STILL LIVE / MEADE. BROS. DAG F.W. GREENE PUB.".