J. W. Watts, Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, Print

Description

This contemporary print, Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation features a group of enslaved people being read the Emancipation Proclamation by a Union soldier. A young person atop a chair bears a torch. 

Evocative and heart-wrenching, the twelve figures express various emotions of shock and hope as they hear listen intently.

Below is the five dollar bill pose of Lincoln, with a quote that invokes both the Constitution and the Almighty.

Publisher Lucius Stebbins hired bank note engrave Henry Herrick to paint this imagined scene, which was then engraved by James W. Watts.  Stebbins described the scene as one that “…will always produce happy reflections of every Christian and philanthropist. …” 

Excellent condition; original frame and glass, but no wood-backing staining

Watts, J. W. READING THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION. Hartford: S. A. Peters, 1864. 21 ½” x 18 ½” (sight); framed.

*There is some reflection in the glass. It is not a flaw in the print.