William Rush
American, 1756­1833
General Andrew Jackson
1819
Terracotta
50.5 x 49.5 x 23.5 cm
Restricted gift of Jamee J. and Marshall Field, and the Brooks and Hope B. McCormick Foundation; Bessie Bennett, W. G. Field, Ada Turnbull Hertle, Laura T. Magnusson, and Major Acquisitions funds, 1985.251

Born in a log cabin, Andrew Jackson earned the nickname “Old Hickory” for his leadership and straightforward personality. How does the artist capture Jackson’s character in this sculpture of him in his general’s uniform?

Jackson became a national hero when he led his troops to victory over the British in the Battle of New Orleans in 1815. This portrait was made four years later. In 1828, he was elected the seventh President of the United States and during his presidency he championed the cause of the common man.