'Lincoln the Railsplitter' is museum's first Rockwell
A descendant of Abe Lincoln's provided a link to the past.
& lt;a href= & quot;http://media.vindy.com/video/lincoln/index.html & quot; & gt;For video coverage of unveiling, click here. & lt;/a & gt;
& lt;a href= & quot;http://media.vindy.com/photos/rockwell/index.html & quot; & gt;For photos of unveiling, click here. & lt;/a & gt;
& lt;a href= & quot;http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/288224299374110.php & quot; & gt;To view The Vindicator's exclusive original story about the Rockwell acquisition, click here. & lt;/a & gt;
By GUY D'ASTOLFO
VINDICATOR ENTERTAINMENT WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- It was a little stubborn at first, but with a bit more effort Dr. Louis Zona pulled down the purple cloth covering "Lincoln the Railsplitter" -- and the assembled basked in its glory.
The Norman Rockwell painting was unveiled Friday evening in an elegant affair at the Butler Institute of American Art on Wick Avenue. The 7-foot-tall, oil-on-canvas work, acquired by the Butler in November for 1.6 million at Christie's Auction House in New York, dominates the room, just like its namesake did.
Zona, director of the museum, repeated the words of national radio personality Paul Harvey in his broadcast remarks on the acquisition: "Now it's at the Butler Museum of American Art where we ALL can enjoy it."
Indeed, the masterpiece, formerly owned by Texas billionaire and former presidential candidate H. Ross Perot, appeared to be home from the moment it was revealed to a round of applause.
The Butler, the foremost museum of narrative American art, had never owned a Rockwell. Zona had earlier called the purchase of "Lincoln the Railsplitter" a perfect acquisition because it's a portrayal of America's most beloved president by her most beloved artist.
Descendant
Friday's invitation-only event for the Butler's Trustee Circle had a link to the past.
Ralph Lincoln of Berlin, Pa., whose fourth great-grandfather was the brother of Abraham Lincoln's great-grandfather, came dressed as his famous ancestor. His face, body and bearing bore such a strong resemblance to the 16th president that from across the room you would swear it was Honest Abe.
But the illusion went pop when you got up close. Ralph is only 5 feet 10 inches tall and his famous forebear was 6 feet 4 inches tall.
Ralph said the Butler event was only the second time he portrayed Abe, the first being the night before in a show at the Ford Theatre National Historic Site in Washington.
The evening included music by the Youngstown Area Community Concert Band, which played Aaron Copland's "Lincoln Portrait." Mayor Jay Williams accompanied the moving piece with a narration that covered Lincoln's accomplishments and philosophies.
William Bresnahan, president of the Butler's Board of Directors, praised the board for its willingness to act when the opportunity to purchase "Railsplitter" rose.
The scene
After the unveiling, the throng milled about to take in the inspirational and imposing portrait.
Tish McKelvey of Nantucket, Mass., formerly of Youngstown, called the painting wonderful. "What a marvelous piece of history."
For Rebecca Lowry of Youngstown, Rockwell holds special meaning. A fan of the artist for decades, Lowry has visited the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Mass.
"I was so excited when I heard they got a Rockwell," she said. "I received a print of Rockwell's 'The Marriage License' as a wedding gift. It has the same date painted on it as our wedding date."
Williams, who was with his wife, Sonja, told The Vindicator, "I am humbled to be a part of this. All the history that you learned as a child comes rushing back. What this means to Youngstown is beyond words."
Zona, the Butler's director, was overjoyed by the evening and the waves of attention the acquisition has stirred in the art world. "I had no idea of the impact it would have," he said.