Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum News


	For Immediate Release: June 10, 2009	Contact: David Blanchette (217) 558-8970
	Lincoln statue by world-famous Chinese artist presented to Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library State officials, Springfield Mayor and Deputy Consul General of China take part in presentation ceremony SPRINGFIELD IL — A sculpture of Abraham Lincoln by world-famous Chinese artist Yuan Xikun was presented today to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) in Springfield, Illinois during a ceremony featuring Chinese Deputy Consul General Chu Maoming, Springfield Mayor Timothy J. Davlin and ALPLM officials. "Abraham Lincoln is one of the most recognized and respected Americans in world history, and we are pleased to accept this latest testament to his enduring legacy from the People's Republic of China," said ALPLM Interim Executive Director Jan Grimes. The cast bronze sculpture, entitled "The Day Before the Decisive Battle," is 44 inches tall by 25 inches wide by almost 18 inches deep, and weighs approximately 80 pounds. It depicts Lincoln standing confidently with his right foot propped up on a rock and his coat tails blowing in the wind. His left hand clutches a small telescope and his gaze is focused on the far horizon. "Lincoln's forehead shows his creativity and intelligence; his eyesight reflects wisdom and determination. He is a man of great breadth of mind, and as a leader this helped to better apply his broad philosophies and theories to practice," said Prof. Yuan in a statement issued concerning his sculpture. "In addition to his faithful and unyielding spirit, he led a nation through the darkest period in U.S. history. The splendid intangible heritage Lincoln left behind is a great fortune for all humankind." Professor Yuan Xikun was born in Yunnan Province, China in 1944. He has been invited to make ink-wash portraits of 152 foreign leaders who have visited China. His Lincoln sculpture is among 50 Yuan has created to depict people who have made great contributions to human history. He has earned more awards from world leaders for his artwork than any other living artist. Yuan is the founder and curator of the Jintai Art Museum in Beijing, the first private art gallery in China when it officially opened in 1997, and it remains the largest of its kind in the country today. He is also an advisor to the Chinese Sculpture Institute, Chief Advisor of the Professional Committee of Environmental Art of the Chinese Association of Architectural Culture and Arts, Executive Vice President of the Beijing Association for the Promotion of Olympic Culture, and guest professor of the China Arts Research Academy. The sculpture becomes the first major item from the People's Republic of China in the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum's Lincoln Collection. The collection, which is the world's largest at more than 52,000 items, features nearly 1,600 documents written or signed by Abraham Lincoln. Key pieces include an original manuscript of the Gettysburg Address in Lincoln's own hand, a signed copy of the Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln's original stove pipe hat, and the gloves that were in Lincoln's pocket when he was assassinated and became stained with his blood. For more information about the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, visit www.presidentlincoln.org. ###