1866 Copperplate Engraving of Abraham Lincoln by William Edgar Marshall
Privately Printed, 1866. Marshall, William Edgar. 1st Edition. Near Fine. Item #15527
A stunning 1866 rendition of Abraham Lincoln published the year after his assassination, in exquisite condition.
Marshall began his career at the U.S. Treasury where he learned how to engrave. While there he did portraits of James Buchanan and John C. Fremont. During the Civil War, he lived in Paris and honed his craft. Upon his return he finished portraits of Grant, Sherman and Washington.
"After Lincoln’s assassination, a distraught Marshall painted this portrait from other prints and photographs. Lincoln never sat for Marshall as an art subject. The print elicited immediate admiration as the finest portrait of the martyred president. The Boston firm of Ticknor & Fields announced an agreement to have Marshall engrave his painting on copper; he did, and it was published in 1866. Like the painting, the engraving of Abraham Lincoln won wide acclaim. The president’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln, declared it excellent “as a likeness,” and could not “suggest any improvement.” The French artist, Gustave Dore, declared it “the best engraving ever made by any artist living or dead.” - Salvatore Cicella for Historical Publications
Without question one of the most important engravings of the 19th century and Marshall knew what he had created. He sent copies to several of Lincoln's closest friends and received universal acclaim.
Frederick Douglass hung this portrait in his home.
The image measures 21" X 16" and features a wide margin, with the sheet measuring 28 1/4" X 23 1/2".
The image itself appears flawless. Along the lower margin, along the edge is a very light dampstain, which would not be visible after framing.
Perfect for framing and display, this historic piece would make a fine centerpiece to any quality Lincoln collection.
Sold