What Man Can Conceive
Limited Edition of 20
Bronze Wall Relief
Winner of the SIlver Medal for Sculpture at the 2024 Cowboy Artists of America Show & Sale
37″H x 20″W x 10″D (bronze measurement without the walnut backing)
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Dustin’s newest sculpture captures the stoic visage of Abraham Lincoln as depicted on Mount Rushmore. With fine attention to detail, Dustin has rendered Lincoln’s iconic features, encapsulating the strength and determination of one of America's most revered presidents. The sculpture serves as a tribute to Lincoln's enduring legacy, as immortalized in the grand monument carved into the Black Hills of South Dakota.
The creation of Mount Rushmore is a tale of artistic vision, engineering ingenuity, and relentless perseverance. Conceived by Danish-American sculptor Gutzon Borglum, the monument was intended to commemorate the birth, growth, development, and preservation of the United States by immortalizing four of its greatest presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
Borglum began his work on Mount Rushmore in 1927. He utilized a combination of artistic skill and innovative engineering techniques to carve the massive 60-foot faces into the granite mountainside. One of the key techniques employed was the honeycomb method. This involved drilling a series of closely spaced holes into the granite, which allowed large blocks of stone to be removed more easily. This method facilitated the rough shaping of the figures before finer details were chiseled out. To bring his vision to life, Borglum and his team used a variety of tools, including dynamite for the initial rough removal of large quantities of rock, pneumatic drills for more precise work, and chisels and hammers for the finishing touches. The honeycomb technique was crucial in ensuring that the features of each president were accurately and proportionately carved into the mountainside.
One of the greatest challenges faced by Borglum and his team was the construction and maintenance of the scaffolding and rope systems required to access the sheer rock face. The scaffolding had to be robust and secure enough to support workers and their heavy equipment, yet flexible enough to be adjusted as the carving progressed. The ropes and harnesses used by the workers needed to be meticulously maintained to ensure their safety while they suspended themselves hundreds of feet above the ground. Harsh weather conditions, including strong winds and extreme temperatures, often complicated these efforts, making the work both dangerous and physically demanding.
Despite these challenges, Borglum and his dedicated team persevered. After Gutzon Borglum's death in March 1941, his son, Lincoln Borglum, took over the project. Lincoln, who had been closely involved with the project since its inception, continued his father's work with dedication and skill. Under his leadership, the finishing touches were applied, ensuring the completion of the colossal sculpture.
The monument remains a testament to American history and the incredible determination and artistry of those who brought it into being.
