Perhaps merely an interesting footnote in history to many, this is the story of Vinnie Ream, a young artist who worked closely with Lincoln and became the youngest artist to be commissioned by the government. After her family moved to Washington, DC during the Civil War, Vinnie sought an apprenticeship with an experienced artist and soon began sculpting various politicians. Lincoln was persuaded to sit for her, and Vinnie’s months of work earned her a positive reputation among some. After Lincoln’s assasination, Vinnie overcame strong opposition, and through perseverance she won the government commission to sculpt a marble statue of Lincoln for the Capital building.