Feature Points
- VINTAGE PRINT REPRODUCTION: Historic reproduction of 1863 Abraham Lincoln Presidential Portrait. Printed on archival-grade paper that resists fading and discoloration for over 100 years. Perfect for home, office, or gallery display.
- PREMIUM PHOTO PAPER: Professional luster photo paper with heavyweight construction and semi-gloss finish that minimizes glare while delivering vibrant colors and sharp detail.
- PROFESSIONALLY RESTORED: Each image is digitally restored by our art specialists to remove age-related deterioration while preserving authentic historical details and character.
- BORDERLESS DESIGN: Artwork prints edge-to-edge for a seamless, gallery-ready appearance. Ships protected in rigid tube packaging to prevent damage and ensure perfect condition upon arrival.
- MADE IN USA: Our multi-step restoration process and quality control ensure each print meets professional standards. Every reproduction is individually inspected before shipping.
Additional Information
This photograph, taken by Alexander Gardner in Washington on November 15, 1863, captures Abraham Lincoln at a pivotal moment during the Civil War's darkest hours. Gardner, serving as photographer to the Army of the Potomac, created this remarkable portrait just days before Lincoln would deliver his immortal Gettysburg Address. The image, designated as Meserve number 59 in the comprehensive photographic catalog of Lincoln portraits, represents one of approximately 130 known photographs of America's most photographed nineteenth-century president. Gardner's masterful composition reveals Lincoln's careworn features, bearing the weight of a nation divided, captured with the distinctive clarity that established Gardner as one of the era's preeminent photographers alongside Mathew Brady.
The year 1863 marked a transformative period in both the Civil War and Lincoln's presidency, with Union victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg shifting the conflict's momentum. Gardner had recently departed from Brady's studio to establish his own gallery, bringing his battlefield documentation expertise to presidential portraiture. This sitting occurred during the height of Lincoln's political challenges, as he navigated between Radical Republicans demanding harsher reconstruction policies and Democrats opposing the war's continuation, while preparing the remarks that would redefine America's founding principles.
This exceptional portrait stands as a testament to Lincoln's enduring resolve during America's greatest trial, offering a window into the soul of the Great Emancipator. Gardner's photograph transcends mere documentation, creating an indelible link between past and present that continues to inspire, making it an extraordinary addition to any collection celebrating this unique piece of American photographic history.
