Samuel M. Vauclain

Vauclain (1856-1940) was the chairman of Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia for more than two decades. Vauclain's prominence and magnanimous personality made him an ideal subject for Davidson. The format of the bust, including massive shoulders and part of the chest, evoke the presence of the tall powerful man that Vauclain was. Davidson liked to converse with his subjects while they posed in order to evince natural, relaxed expressions. Vauclain was captured in an animated moment with mouth slightly open and eyes focused on his companion. Details, such as the jowls and wrinkles of the seventy-year-old sitter, are honestly portrayed.