(Abraham Lincoln) Albumen Photograph, The Gettysburg Lincoln, from Original Negative, Ltd Ed.

Description

 Photographer Alexander Gardner was commissioned by sculptor Sarah Fisher Ames to produce a close-up of Lincoln for her plaster bust of the president. The that bust is presently displayed just outside the office of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin in Washington, DC.

Eleven other images of Lincoln were produced that day. Gardner immediately offered several of the poses to the public. This image was not sold during Lincoln’s lifetime, as Gardner considered it a commission piece and not his to distribute. Moses Rice, who later worked with Gardner, controlled the glass plate and made later 19th century copies. The entire negative is viewed in this photograph. Truly, as Lincoln said, “there is the animal himself.”

This pose is one of the rare photographs of Lincoln looking directly at the viewer. It shows a haggard president with heavy lines on his face. His amblyopic left eye is noticeable. We have left in most of the glass imperfections.   It has stunning clarity and emotional impact seldom seen in any Lincoln photograph.

Only original techniques, methods, and cameras were used in the making of this magnificent photograph. We believe these 75 Limited Edition prints are amazingly clear – more so than any produced since!

Gardner, Alexander. THE GETTYSBURG LINCOLN. [Ostendorf #77] Limited edition #48/75 with certificate of authenticity. Albumen photograph taken by direct contact from a contemporary, original glass plate negative (an “Inter-Positive”]. Chicago: ALBS, 1998. Placed on authentic gold-toned albumen paper; wet-mounted to 100% rag, mirage board; finally placed on an uncoated base to minimize curl, then matted. 3.5” x 4.5” (image); 5.25” x 7-3/8” (albumen); on
a 6.25” x 8-3/8” rag mat.