As advancements in technology allowed for the mass production of imagery, artists found creative ways to manipulate pictures. Composites of multiple disparate images became a popular way to create idealized or comedic depictions of well-known figures. As in the case of the images seen here, both during his life and after his death, engravers added Lincoln’s likeness to images of other political figures of the day to depict him as a great statesman, an attribute many felt was lacking from his photographs.
John Sartain English, 1808-1897
[Composite of Lincoln’s Face on the body of Francis P. Blair, Jr.], 1864
Engraving
SO.2019.146
Produced the same year as the engraving of Blair, observers will note that the body type and shape are completely unrealistic for those of Lincoln; even his head is out of proportion to his body.
John Sartain English, 1808-1897
Francis P. Blair, Jr., 1864
Reproduction
Thomas Hicks American, 1823-1890
[Composite of Lincoln’s Face on the body of John Calhoun], 1865 circa
Engraving
SO.2019.154
The striking irony of placing Lincoln’s head on the body of John Calhoun, an ardent defender of slavery, is surprising. No two more idealogically-opposite individuals could have been combined into a composite person.
Alexander H. Ritchie Scottish, 1822-1895
John Calhoun, 1852
Reproduction
