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Andrew Jackson

Hiram Powers American
1834–35; carved 1839
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 760
When Jackson sat for Powers at the White House, he requested that the sculptor not idealize his aging facial features: "Make me as I am. . . . It’s the only safe rule to follow." This highly realistic portrait of a president with a controversial legacy reflects both of Jackson’s sobriquets: King Andrew, for his imperial style of governing, specifically his exploitation of Native American peoples; and Old Hickory, for his unbending strength and determination in the name of a populist political agenda. The bust was carved in Florence, Italy, where Powers had settled in 1837.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Andrew Jackson
  • Artist: Hiram Powers (American, Woodstock, Vermont 1805–1873 Florence)
  • Date: 1834–35; carved 1839
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: Marble
  • Dimensions: 34 3/4 x 23 1/2 x 15 1/2 in. (88.3 x 59.7 x 39.4 cm)
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Frances V. Nash, 1894
  • Object Number: 94.14
  • Curatorial Department: The American Wing

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4339. Andrew Jackson

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Hiram Powers - Andrew Jackson - American - The Metropolitan Museum of Art