Vinnie Ream, a controversial figure known for her sculptures, faced challenges and controversies in her sculpting career, with political intrigue surrounding President Andrew Johnson's impeachment. Her artistic journey in Europe and financial struggles are highlighted, along with her complex relationships and love triangle. The podcast delves into her personal life events, marriage, and tragic end, leaving a legacy of notable artworks.
Vinnie Ream faced media scrutiny and controversy while sculpting a Lincoln statue commissioned by Congress.
Ream's interactions in Europe exposed her to complex relationships and showcased her artistic versatility.
Deep dives
Vinnie Ream's Early Life and Start of Sculpting Career
Vinnie Ream's journey into sculpting began at a young age, leading her to lobby for and secure a commission from Congress to sculpt a Lincoln statue. Despite facing media scrutiny and scandal, she embarked on a trip to Europe to oversee the transformation of her Lincoln statue into marble.
Vinnie Ream's Involvement in Post-Lincoln Power Struggle
Vinnie Ream found herself entangled in the post-Lincoln political landscape, particularly during Andrew Johnson's presidency. Johnson's lenient approach towards the former Confederate states sparked controversy, leading to tensions and restrictive laws that affected formerly enslaved individuals.
Vinnie Ream's Complex Relationships and European Travels
During her time in Europe, Vinnie Ream navigated intricate relationships, including a potential love triangle involving herself, a Confederate brigadier general, and a ship's doctor. Her artistic pursuits and interactions with prominent figures in Europe showcased her versatility and network.
Vinnie Ream's Later Years and Legacy
After marrying Richard Leveridge Hoxie, Vinnie Ream faced challenges balancing her art career with societal expectations of domesticity. Her dedication to her craft persisted through commissions, including sculptures of George Henry Thomas and Admiral David G. Farragut. Despite personal hardships and health issues, her contributions to the art world endure through her renowned works and installations in prominent locations like Statuary Hall.
Part two of our episode on Vinnie Ream covers the completion of her first major work, and the rest of her life, which was just as controversial as her early adulthood.
Research:
“Andrew Johnson and Reconstruction.” National Parks Service. https://www.nps.gov/anjo/andrew-johnson-and-reconstruction.htm
Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Vinnie Ream". Encyclopedia Britannica, 16 Nov. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Vinnie-Ream
“The Case of Miss Vinnie Ream, The Latest National Disgrace.” The Daily Phoenix. June 12, 1868. https://www.newspapers.com/image/72225424/?terms=%22vinnie%20ream%22%20&match=1
“Clark Mills and the Jackson Equestrian Statue (1853–1856).” The Historic New Orleans Collection. https://www.hnoc.org/virtual/andrew-jackson/clark-mills-and-jackson-equestrian-statue-1853%E2%80%931856
Cooper, Edward S. “Vinnie Ream, a American Sculptor.” Academy Chicago Publishers. 2004.
“Curious Developments in the House.” The Abingdon Virginian. June 5, 1868. https://www.newspapers.com/image/584634251/?terms=%22vinnie%20ream%22%20&match=1
“The Farragut Statue.” The Portland Daily Press. April 26, 1881. https://www.newspapers.com/image/875207459/?terms=%22Vinnie%20Ream%22%20&match=1
Fling, Sarah. “Philip Reed Enslaved Artisan in the President's Neighborhood.” White House Historical Association. Dec, 8, 2020. https://www.whitehousehistory.org/philip-reed
Healy, George Peter Alexander. “Vinnie Ream.” Smithsonian American Art Museum. https://americanart.si.edu/artwork/vinnie-ream-10167
“A Homely Woman’s Opinion of a Pretty One.” Leavenworth Times. Sept. 6, 1866. https://www.newspapers.com/image/380121072/?terms=vinnie%20ream&match=1
“Impeachment Trial of President Andrew Johnson, 1868.” United States Senate. https://www.senate.gov/about/powers-procedures/impeachment/impeachment-johnson.htm
“The Lincoln Statue.” Chicago Tribune. Aug. 21, 1866. https://www.newspapers.com/image/349536265/?terms=%22vinnie%20ream%22%20&match=1
“Miss Ream’s Statue.” The Delaware Gazette. Feb. 17, 1871. https://www.newspapers.com/image/329775503/?terms=%22Vinnie%20Ream%22%20&match=1
“Sequoyah Statue.” Architect of the Capitol. https://www.aoc.gov/explore-capitol-campus/art/sequoyah-statue
Sherwood, Glenn V. “Labor of Love.” Sunshine Press Publications. 1997.
“Who is Miss Vinnie Ream?” The Hartford Courant. Aug. 7, 1866. https://www.newspapers.com/image/369077872/?terms=vinnie%20ream&match=1
“Vinnie Ream.” Architect of the Capitol. https://www.aoc.gov/explore-capitol-campus/art/vinnie-ream
“Vinnie Ream.” The Hancock Courier. Feb. 4, 1869. https://www.newspapers.com/image/665444405/?terms=%22vinnie%20ream%22%20&match=1
“Vinnie Ream.” The Portland Daily Press. Aug. 15, 1866. https://www.newspapers.com/image/875123827/?terms=%22vinnie%20ream%22%20&match=1
“Vinnie Ream, the Sculptress.” Times Union. May 16, 1871. https://www.newspapers.com/image/556158224/?terms=%22Vinnie%20Ream%22%20&match=1
“Vinnie Ream’s Statue of Lincoln.” The Daily Kansas Tribune. June 11, 1869. https://www.newspapers.com/image/60526282/?terms=%22vinnie%20ream%22%20&match=1
“Vinnie Ream: The Truth of the Romance.” Kansas City Weekly Journal. Feb. 24, 1871. https://www.newspapers.com/image/1025356568/?terms=%22Vinnie%20Ream%22%20&match=1