The Real Face of John Quincy Adams - Life Mask Reconstruction

Creating the most accurate likenesses of John Quincy Adams

6th U. S. President John Quincy is perhaps my favorite president, though most of his accomplishments were after his presidency, particularly against slavery. Adams once reportedly stated, “The four most miserable years of my life were my four years in the presidency.” As a congressman, Adams said that he took delight in the fact that southerners would forever remember him as “the acutest, the astutest, the archest enemy of southern slavery that ever existed.” It has been suggested that John Quincy Adams had the highest I.Q. of any U.S. president. Dean Simonton, a professor of psychology at UC Davis, estimated his I.Q. score at 175.1 Adams spoke and wrote seven languages by the age of ten. Adams also became a leading force for the promotion of science. As president, he had proposed a national observatory, which did not win much support. Adams became Congress’s primary supporter of the future Smithsonian Institution. He also translated a copy of the New Testament Bible from Greek to English. Quite a resume for “Old Man Eloquent.”

Reconstructed life mask of John Quincy Adams
Life masks of John Quincy Adams Source: Cheryl A. Daniel, with special thanks to Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown N.Y.

The Life Mask

John Henri Isaac Browere made the plaster cast of John Quincy Adams while he was President in 1825.

“Washington City, October [28], 1825.

The president requests me to state to Mr. Browere that he will be able to give him two hours tomorrow morning at seven o’clock at his (Mr. Browere’s) rooms on Pennsylvania Avenue. He is so much engaged at present that this is the only time he can conveniently spare for the purpose of your executing his portrait bust from life.

C. F. Adams.”2

Reconstructed life mask of John Quincy Adams
Life mask reconstruction of John Quincy Adams.

J. I. Browere’s “work achieved a stark realism uncommon in that day. His plaster busts showed the age-lined brow, the pock-marked face; his subjects appeared as they were, not as artists generally portrayed them. His life masks were, and remain, the most authentic likenesses of some historic figures who lived in a day before photography provided more easily obtained but similarly uncompromising portraits.”3

“Adams was 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighed about 175 pounds. He had penetrating black eyes.”4

Reconstructed profile view of the life mask of John Quincy Adams
Profile view of Adams' reconstructed life mask.

At the time of his life mask casting, Adams was 58 years old. The reconstruction shows Adams as he appeared when he was President with brown hair and no sideburns, or mutton chops as they were called in his time.

John Quincy Adams through his ages, daguerreotype, life mask, de-aged life mask.
John Quincy Adams through his ages, daguerreotype, life mask, de-aged life mask.
John Quincy Adams sitting with his wife Louisa Adams
John Quincy Adams (based on his life mask) sitting with his wife Louisa Adams (based on her painted portrait)
John Quincy Adams speaking with Andrew Jackson
John Quincy Adams (based on his life mask) speaking with Andrew Jackson (based on his daguerreotype

John Quincy Adams Videos


Digital Yarbs Complete Works

About Me

Figure

I am Cheryl A. Daniel, also known as Digital Yarbs, an ardent aficionado of both Photoshop and history. My passion lies in reconstructing life masks, statues, and busts of renowned early Americans and other prominent historical figures. At yarbs.net, you can delve into a captivating collection of reconstructions and animations derived from these life masks, showcasing how these subjects might have appeared in daguerreotypes and photographs. Along the way, I sprinkle fascinating historical tidbits to enrich your journey. Among my reconstructions, you will discover the faces of illustrious individuals such as George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Dolley Madison, Marquis de Lafayette, Henry Clay, and an array of others!

See or purchase Digital Yarbs' works at these fine historical sites.

Fayetteville History Museum Logo Fayetteville History Museum Logo James Madison Museum Logo

Like an image on this site?

Select images are available as signed/numbered high-quality archival giclee prints, limited edition canvases with a certificate of authenticity, and 4x6 premium matte postcards at Digital Yarbs Ebay Store.

What others are saying....

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"Very Nice! Long live De Lafayette!"

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"Excellent canvas print of our first president! Transaction was easy and quick. Would highly recommend seller to those interested in getting artwork of our Founding Fathers!"

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"The postcards are fantastic, artistic creations, and scientific wonders. Shipping time was fast and the artist is honest, friendly, generous, and very forthright. I liked all the extra items sent."

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"The artist and her art are impressive. The photo card arrived quickly and was mailed with care."

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"Amazing work and quality. George was a handsome man and this picture does him justice, unlike the toothless, old man images of him. He was in his 50s when he became President. The only change I would make would be to show him with dark, reddish hair like he had in his youth. Thanks!"

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"Great cards! Finally a real likeness of George Washington! So worth the price! Also, excellent card stock. Seller communication was great as well!"

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"Love my GW print!! It brings George back to life! Highly recommend Cheryl's work."

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"Beautifully done picture....George is a handsome guy!"

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"Nicely done. Very pleased. Consider myself a knowledgeable person on George Washington and I am very impressed. Thank you"

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"Now here is THE item to buy if you wish a view of what the Leading Lights of America looked like. I got this to harmonize with my 1815+or- House. It came, well packed, with a 'flock of documentation and information-'-a sure sign of a careful, and proud of their work; Vendor. The quality is above first rate. I had planned to place it in a 'Wally World' frame. NOPE, I will spend the money and have it done aright. In all things-Professional is the only word here. Buy some historic art for YOUR house, you will not be disappointed."

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"Excellent service, product, and price"