Andrew W. Mellon

This Terra-Cotta portrayal of Andrew W. Mellon by Jo Davidson stands in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC.

Davidson later noted that when portraying financier Andrew Mellon, Mellon and the artist discussed the terms of the arrangement, “in a businesslike manner, befitting a Secretary of the Treasury.” To Davidson, Mellon's “fine face, delicate complexion, white hair and mustache, suggested stone or terra-cotta.” But Mellon responded, “I prefer bronze,” and then suggested, “You will do it in bronze, and if I don't like the bronze, you will do it in terra-cotta or stone?” Davidson agreed. When the clay model for the bronze was completed, Mellon expressed his satisfaction, and on receiving the bronze, was “very pleased with the finished work.” -- NPG