Sale 2486, Part I - The Harold Holzer Collection of Lincolniana, September 27, 2018

167 c   (SCULPTURE.) [Rogers, John; sculptor.] The Council of War. Painted plaster, 24 x 15 x 17 inches, signed in the mold on the base under Lincoln’s knee; some repairs done prior to repainting, including the area around Lincoln’s left hand. New York, circa 1868-1870s [1,500/2,500] version a . Lincoln is depicted discussing the progress of the war with General Grant and Secretary of War Stanton. This was one of the most popular Rogers Group sculptures, and was produced from its 1868 copyright date through at least the early 1900s. Three versions were produced, each with slightly different poses for Secretary Stanton. This is the first version, with Stanton’s hands apparently polishing his glasses just behind Lincoln’s head. This pose had a likely unintentional resonance with the assassination, and the hands were moved away from Lincoln’s head in later versions.