Old Abe/Telfair
Date2000
Mediummetal, gold paint, and worn red felt
Dimensions14 1/2 × 9 3/4 × 3 inches (36.8 × 24.8 × 7.6 cm)
Credit LineGift of Willie L. Tarver.
Object number2018.17
Copyright© Estate of Willie L. Tarver.
The images and text contained on this page are owned by Telfair Museums or used by the Museum with permission from the owners. Unauthorized reproduction, transmission or display of these materials is prohibited with the exception of items deemed “fair use” as defined by U.S. and international copyright laws.Label TextGeorgia-born Willie L. Tarver was a welder by trade, often creating works out of scrap metal and concrete. This piece honors the “Great Emancipator,” here depicted with his iconic beard and affectionately dubbed “Old Abe.” Tarver fashioned the outline of Lincoln’s profile through raised metal reliefs in the shape of dots.Since the late 18th century, artists frequently depicted illustrious individuals such as presidents, authors, artists, and entertainers in profile. In part, this is because silhouette makers realized that viewers were familiar with celebrities’ most iconic facial features—understood to be best communicated through the profile—and would derive pleasure in recognizing those distinguishing traits. By representing an American president in profile and highlighting Lincoln’s beard, Tarver continued this tradition. Although using metal instead of black paper, he relied on two key aspects of silhouette portraiture: an economy of materials and signifying forms.
