Vinnie Ream 1847- 1914

 Lavinia Ellen "Vinnie" Ream Hoxie was a pioneering American sculptor known for her remarkable achievements at a young age. Born in 1847 in Madison, Wisconsin, she demonstrated artistic talent from an early age. Her father's declining health led her to seek work to support her family, and she became one of the first women to be employed by the federal government during the American Civil War. Ream's artistic journey began when she became an apprentice in sculptor Clark Mills' studio at the age of seventeen.


Her most famous work, and her first major commission, was a full-size Carrara marble statue of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln. She was awarded this prestigious commission by a vote of Congress when she was just 18 years old. However, her selection was met with controversy due to her young age, lack of experience, and unfounded accusations of being a "lobbyist" or a woman of questionable reputation. Despite the challenges, Ream successfully completed the statue, becoming the youngest artist and the first woman to receive a commission from the U.S. government for a statue.


After her successful statue of Lincoln was unveiled in the United States Capitol rotunda, Ream continued to pursue her career, traveling to Europe to study and produce more works. She created busts of various prominent figures and won competitions to sculpt statues of Admiral David G. Farragut and Sequoyah, the first free-standing statue of a Native American displayed in the Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol.


In 1878, Ream married Richard L. Hoxie, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officer, and had on


e son. Her artistic output reduced significantly during her marriage due to societal expectations at the time. She continued to exhibit her works, including pieces like "America," "The West," and "Miriam," at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago.


Vinnie Ream Hoxie passed away in 1914 in Washington, D.C. She and her husband were buried at Arlington National Cemetery, with her statue "Sappho" marking their graves.


Vinnie Ream Hoxie's legacy lies not only in her artistic achievements but also in her breaking of barriers as a female artist during a time when opportunities for women in the arts were limited. Her dedication and talent paved the way for future generations of women artists to thrive in their chosen fields.


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