Lincoln, Abraham, Chromolithograph by Middleton

Description

This Middleton bust portrait chromolithograph of Abraham Lincoln was probably the most popular one produced by one of the pioneers of the chromolithograph process in America.

Chromolithography became the most successful of several methods of color printing developed by the 19th century. Often called “poor man’s oils,” the initial technique involved the use of multiple lithographic stones, one for each color.  It is oil-based lithography, printed on paper laid over canvas.  Although much less expensive than a painting, but was still rather expensive in order to produce the best quality results. The growing middle class, as well as a strong connection to the war, fueled the nation’s desire for these decorative and commemorative wall objects.  Lincoln and Grant were the most popular, with George Washington and William T. Sherman coming in next.

Lincoln, Abraham.  Chromolithograph.  Cincinnati: E. C. Middleton, 1864. oval, 22″ x 20″ (sight).