"The Council of War" Cast Plaster Sculpture by John Rogers, 1868

Presented is a rare plaster-cast sculpture entitled Council of War by artist John Rogers. Made a few years after the end of the Civil War, this sculpture depicts the three great Union leaders discussing military actions. President Lincoln studies a map at center, while General Grant points out his plans. Secretary of War Stanton listens from behind, wiping his glasses. These figures were placed together in the composition to signify the most powerful men by the end of the Civil War.  John Rogers produced a small amount of these plaster casts in 1868 at the suggestion of Secretary Stanton, who described the scene as "one of the most interesting and appropriate occasions" for a sculpture.  Diverging from the common practices of his predecessors, Rogers utilized plaster instead of bronze as a way to provide more affordable options to middle-class Americans during the 19th century.  The work became a popular memorial to Lincoln and his advisors for an American middle-class audience. The or