Art Image Details

"This statuette is a small version of a life-size bronze one. The large equestrian sculpture of Andrew Jackson (1767-1845) has reared proudly since 1853 in Lafayette Park, across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House. . . . Mills depicted Jackson as the hero of New Orleans reviewing his troops before the great battle. The reference also had a contemporary relevance that was underscored by the motto that Mills intended for the pedestal: 'Our Federal Union, It Must Be Preserved.' The Compromise of 1850--a series of acts regarding the extension of slavery into new states and territories that averted the dissolution of the Union for a decade--was fresh in every mind when Mills unveiled his sculpture.

"It was the first life-size bronze equestrian statue ever cast in America. Mills had never set eyes on a large equestrian sculpture, much less made one. That he selected the rampant pose with its enormous problems of balance and support is all the more remarkable. . . .

". . . Mills must have quickly realized that small casts at modest prices would bring in continuing revenue and spread his reputation, just as engravings did for painters. Thus in 1855 he patented his design . . . . Production soon began at the Philadelphia foundry of Cornelius & Baker, acting on Mills's behalf."

A brief biography of President Andrew Jackson, illustrated with a portrait by Ralph E. W. Earl.