Object Details
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
original artist
Marchant, Edward Dalton
graphic artist
Sartain, John
Description
Late in 1862, the Union League of Philadelphia commissioned Edward Dalton Marchant to paint Lincoln's portrait for exhibition in Independence Hall as a gesture of support for the president and the Union. Marchant engaged Philadelphia artist John Sartain to engrave the portrait, and mezzotint prints were published by Bradley and Company in 1864 to meet popular demand for the image. The original painting is part of the Union League’s collection, and the Museum owns two copies of the mezzotint print, one an early proof and this one from the standard edition.
The half-length portrait depicts Lincoln seated at a table, holding a quill. A document beneath his arm reads: “Abraham Lincoln, Jan’y 1st, 1863, Will. H. Seward.” It references the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, which took effect on that date. Part of a large statue is shown at the upper right, a classical figure of Liberty with a broken chain at her feet, another reference to the emancipation of the slaves.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Robert L. and Wilma W. Bidwell
date made
1864
ID Number
1986.1013.01
catalog number
1986.1013.01
accession number
1986.1013
Object Name
print
Object Type
Mezzotint
Other Terms
print; Mezzotint; Prints
Physical Description
paper (overall material)
ink (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 43.5 cm x 34 cm; 17 1/8 in x 13 3/8 in
image: 33 cm x 25.5 cm; 13 in x 10 1/16 in
Related Publication
Holzer, Harold; Boritt, Gabor S., and Neely, Mark E., Jr.. The Lincoln Image: Abraham Lincoln and the Popular Print
See more items in
Work and Industry: Graphic Arts
Communications
Abraham Lincoln
Art
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Subject
Slavery
Politics
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_887913