John Adams
Bill Sturgis (American, b. 1983)
Bronze, 26½ in., Edition 2/7
This contemporary bronze bust by Bill Sturgis portrays John Adams (1735–1826), one of America’s Founding Fathers and its 2nd President. A Harvard-educated lawyer, Adams was an early advocate for independence, served in the Continental Congress, and helped draft the Declaration of Independence alongside Thomas Jefferson. He later served two terms as Vice President before his presidency (1797–1801).
Rendered after the style of 18th-century French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon, Sturgis presents Adams as a dignified gentleman in period attire, with hair tied back in the fashion of his era. The bust rests on a matching socle, unified by a rich brown patina.
Though skilled in various mediums, Sturgis is especially recognized for his sculpture, where his mastery of anatomy and nuanced patina application have made his works highly sought after by collectors.
