| TITLE
| Daniel Webster |
| CREATOR | Unknown |
| DATE | 1840-1853 |
| DIMENSIONS | 27 x 15 x 9 in. |
| ORIGINAL FORMAT | Sculpture |
| MEDIUM | Plaster |
| PHYSICAL NOTE | This plaster sculpture is one of the 16 that sit atop the bookshelves in the library’s main hall. |
| DATE OF ACCESSION | 1853 |
| LOCATION | Providence Athenæum: Main Library |
This bust of the American statesman Daniel Webster [1782-1852] is one of sixteen that circle the Athenæum’s main hall.
Born in New Hampshire, Webster graduated from Dartmouth College and went on to study law. He was elected to represent New Hampshire in Congress in 1812 and, after moving to Massachusetts, was elected to the Senate in 1827. He went on to serve as the United States Secretary of State under Presidents William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, and Millard Fillmore.
As a major political figure, Webster was greatly admired for his oration skills and intellectual force during debate. The expression captured by the unknown artist of this portrait is similar to other depictions of Webster. It was acquired by the library in 1853, though the donor is unknown, and joined James Phalen’s earlier 1840 donation of ten busts.