The bronze bust of Abraham Lincoln, made by Ray Barger (1906–2001) in 1937 for the antechamber of the Grand Council Hall in the Palazzo Pubblico. The sculpture was the idea of Professor Kenneth Scott of Western Reserve University in Cleveland who wanted to commemorate the relationship between Lincoln and San Marino. Lincoln was greatly respected there since he accepted honorary citizenship from the republic in 1861.
Scott stipulated the commission should be awarded to a young American sculptor, and selected 30-year-old Barger, who was then studying at the American Academy in Rome.
Quotation from letter of acceptance of honorary citizenship of San Marino, “Although your dominion is small, your state is nevertheless one of the most honored in all history. Abraham Washington Lincoln, May 7, 1861”.
The three plumes represent three peaks on which San Marino stands. 3 September 1937 is the 1637th year of the republic (“d.F.R.”)
San Marino