The creator of this bust, German-born sculptor Ferdinand Pettrich, came to Washington in 1836 hoping to win federal commissions for statuary at the Capitol. Although his training with the renowned Danish sculptor Bertel Thorwaldsen gave him cachet, he never succeeded in obtaining any of those commissions. During his residence in the city, however, doubtless in an effort to advertise his talent, he did likenesses of a number of noted public figures. It is not known whether Jackson ever actually sat for his portrait by Pettrich, but judging from the strength of the likeness, he probably did.

Ferdinand Pettrich (1798-1872)
Marble, replica of 1836 original
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution
NPG.91.45

Enlarged image

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