Reignette, Congratulations!!

[Gene C]

Interesting detail that Mrs. Lincoln would loan the coat to Vinnie Ream

First, Mary Lincoln loaned the clothing to portrait artist Matthew Wilson, who had painted the last life portrait of Lincoln in February 1865. Wilson had the items for almost two years. Then, Mrs. Lincoln loaned sculptor Lavinia "Vinnie" Ream the items, who fashioned a bust of Lincoln out of Carrara marble. Reams said, "The one, great, lasting all dominating impression I have always carried of Lincoln has been that of unfathomable sorrow." Anyone who has seen Ream's magnificent rendering in the Capitol Rotunda would agree.