Taking the Oath and Drawing Rations

Copied John Rogers, Taking the Oath and Drawing Rations, modeled 1865, patented 1866, painted plaster, 23 x 14 x 10 in. (58.4 x 35.5 x 25.4 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John Rogers and Son, 1882.1.1
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Taking the Oath and Drawing Rations
Artist
Date
modeled 1865, patented 1866
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
23 x 14 x 10 in. (58.4 x 35.5 x 25.4 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of John Rogers and Son
Mediums
Mediums Description
painted plaster
Classifications
Subjects
  • Figure group — family
  • African American
  • Occupation — military — soldier
  • Ceremony — military — oath
  • History — United States — Civil War
Object Number
1882.1.1
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1882.1.1

Artwork Description

Taking the Oath and Drawing Rations exemplifies the small genre sculptures for which John Rogers is best known. These statuettes, sculpted in plaster and painted a sandy color, portray individuals engaged in everyday activities. This particular sculpture is from Rogers's well-known Civil War series, in which a Southern woman and her young son must take the oath in order to receive food rations distributed by the Union Army. Taking the Oath and Drawing Rations illustrates the hardships endured by the masses throughout the Civil War.