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

Description

This photo of Lincoln, commonly referred to as “The Gettysburg Lincoln” because it was taken 11 days prior to The Gettysburg Address; is probably the most often seen photograph of Lincoln. 

Abraham Lincoln Book Shop, Inc. acquired the original negative from the son of the original owner. It had been on loan to the National Archives when the owner passed away. The heir contacted us about an appraisal. Daniel Weinberg impressed upon him the importance of the negative. The heir agreed to sell it to the book shop. Shortly after, we contacted Chicago Albumen Works to make our reproductions. They are world-renowned specialists in many traditional photographic processes. They employed only only original techniques, methods, recipes, and cameras to make this magnificent photograph.

The photo was first made by photographer Alexander Gardner. He 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.

Not only an arresting image, this photo occupies an important place in Art History as well. Prior to photography, subjects would have to sit for days, often making several visits to the studio over months in order for an accurate artistic rendering. It is ironic that a photo produced strictly for “working purposes” would eventually become one of the most recognizable images of Abraham Lincoln. Additionally, it was also used by sculptor Daniel Chester French as the model for the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

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.