American Art Collaborative

Born in 1793, John Slidell grew up in New York and later settled in New Orleans. He established a successful law practice there and, in 1843, was elected to the United States Senate. This sculpture was modeled in 1840. Portrait busts were often carved with classical drapery, and Hiram Powers depicted Slidell with an ancient Greek himation, or cloak, covering his shoulders and chest. When Slidell received his marble portrait three years later, he described it as an “admirable likeness.