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Samuel Gompers

Object Details

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Samuel Gompers was the founder and first president of the American Federation of Labor. Born in England in 1850, he moved to the United States when he was thirteen and worked as a cigar maker. He was involved with the labor movement as a youth and saw the need for a national association of unions. Under his leadership, the AFL set a limit on child labor, ensured fixed hours for the working day, and established Labor Day as the workingman’s holiday. In 1925, Moses Dykaar presented the marble version of this bust to the AFL on behalf of the Cloth Cap and Fur Workers unions.
Data Source
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Artist
Moses Wainer Dykaar, born Vilna, Russia 1884-died New York City 1933
Sitter
Samuel Gompers
Date
1924
Credit Line
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist
Medium
plaster
Dimensions
22 1/4 x 22 1/8 x 12 1/4 in. (56.4 x 56.2 x 31.1 cm.)
Type
Sculpture

Featured In

  • Labor Day
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