Newly elected as the Republican nominee for president, Lincoln visited the photographic studio of Alexander Hesler in Springfield, Illinois, on June 3, 1860. The sitting produced three portraits, each illuminating the calm expression on his face, while contrasting with the dark background. After seeing the finished product, Lincoln commented of this photo, “That looks better and expresses me better than any I have ever seen; if it pleases the people I am satisfied.” The portrait was used extensively used during the 1860 presidential campaign, marking an early example of photography being utilized to promote a political candidate.
[Unknown Artist]
[Portrait of Abraham Lincoln]
Charcoal on paper
2024.010.001
Max Rosenthal Polish, 1833-1918
Abraham Lincoln, 1908
Etching
A97.578
Rosenthal, who immigrated to the US in 1849, worked extensively as an artist in lithography, engraving,s, and etchings. In the years after 1884 he completed more than 150 etchings featuring portraits of prominent Americans and British officers.
