The life-sized bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln on display outside the Gettysburg Visitor Center was sculpted by Ivan Schwartz. This view was taken facing northwest at approximately 5:40 PM on Wednesday, July 21, 2010.
Thousands of visitors have been in and out of the Gettysburg Visitor Center this summer, and one of the most popular spots for photographs is the seated statue of Abraham Lincoln. Of course, even though this was the intention in the sculpture’s placement, President Lincoln has begun to show some unfortunate wear from all the affection.
Visitors most often leave and exit the VC through this main artery. This view was taken facing northwest at approximately 5:40 PM on Wednesday, July 21, 2010.
In the center background you can make out the light colored rock that holds a plaque containing the Gettysburg Address. The Lincoln statue sits just across from it. This view was taken facing northwest at approximately 5:40 PM on Wednesday, July 21, 2010.
Designed to be inviting to family photographs, the bench has room to sit down. This view was taken facing northwest at approximately 5:40 PM on Wednesday, July 21, 2010.
And this scene is one that is repeated day after day. In one of our earlier posts covering the dedication and installation of the sculpture, we quoted a Ranger-Historian who remarked whether he wondered how long the statue would survive. This family is respectfully not hanging all over the monument. This view was taken facing northwest at approximately 5:40 PM on Wednesday, July 21, 2010.
But three spots that are most touched on the sculpture are quickly apparent. The finish on the bronze has worn down to the metal on his left … This view was taken facing west at approximately 5:40 PM on Wednesday, July 21, 2010.
… And right shoulder. This view was taken facing east at approximately 5:40 PM on Wednesday, July 21, 2010.
And though it’s hard to tell from how the sun reflects in this picture, the paper in his hand is missing much of the finish as well. Hopefully there will be time this winter to refinish the sculpture before the weather starts to adversely affect the bronze. This view was taken facing north at approximately 5:40 PM on Wednesday, July 21, 2010.