Modern · Smithsonian American Art Museum · saam_XX1
Joseph Henry
Herbert Adams, ca. 1911
Smithsonian American Art Museum · Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum acquisition · CC0 · Public domain
- Artist
- Herbert Adams
- Date
- ca. 1911
- Medium
- painted plaster
- Dimensions
- 12 x 18 x 21 in. (30.4 x 45.7 x 53.2 cm)
- Era
- Modern
Why it matters
Joseph Henry was the grandson of Scottish immigrants and a self-made man who became a prominent scientist. The unit of electromagnetic induction is named the “henry” after him. In 1846, in recognition of his abilities as a scientist, professor, and leader, he was chosen to be the first secretary and director of the Smithsonian Institution. This plaster bust was cast from a full-size bronze in the Library of Congress. The larger statue is one of sixteen that encircle the rotunda, symbolizing different elements of human achievement. Henry represents man’s accomplishments in science.