Created by
Alston, Charles Henry, American, 1907 - 1977
Subject of
Dr. King, Martin Luther Jr., American, 1929 - 1968
Date
1970
Medium
bronze on marble mount
Dimensions
H x W x D: 17 × 7 1/2 × 10 1/2 in. (43.2 × 19.1 × 26.7 cm)
Caption
In 1970 Rev. Donald Harrington commissioned the bronze bust Reverend Martin Luther King for the Community Church of New York Unitarian Universalist. Charles Alston created multiple versions of his King busts, one of which became the first likeness of an African American to be exhibited in the White House.
Description
This is a bronze cast portrait of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. on a black marble base. The sculpture depicts Dr. King from the neck up. Chin raised, brow furrowed, his gaze is directed upwards. The bust rests on a square of dark marble. The artist's signature "Alston" is on the back of the right side of the neck.
Classification
Visual Arts
Type
bronzes
sculpture
portraits
Topic
Art
Civil rights
Men
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Eric and Cheryl McKissack
Object number
2015.160
Restrictions & Rights
© Charles Alston Estate
Permission required for use. Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd58083869f-bd6b-4593-95ab-5cbb05aa0995

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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