Scarce 1860 Portrait of a Beardless Abraham Lincoln, just Elected President of The U.S. as the Civil War looms
New York: Harper's Weekly Illustrated Newspaper, November 10860. 1st Edition. Folio - over 12 - 15" tall. Very Good. Item #900140
Full front-page woodcut engraving of a beardless Abraham Lincoln from an earlier portrait photographed by Mathew Brady. This portrait and the corresponding double-page centerfold engraving depicting the election returns in New York City, effectively announce the newspaper's support of the Republican, Lincoln, who resoundingly defeated Democratic rival John Breckinridge. This is the first issue of harper's after Lincoln had won the election.
Lincoln was the first President to grow a full beard. During the 1860 campaign, one Houston, Texas newspaper described Lincoln as "the leanest, lankiest, most ungainly mass of legs, arms, and hatchet face ever strung upon a single frame."
Contemporary beardless images of Lincoln are much more scarce and desirable. Lincoln began his beard shortly after the election, taking the advice of an 11-year-old girl who suggested he grow out his whiskers to improve his appearance.
This image appears on the front page of the November 10, 1860 issue of Harper's Weekly Illustrated Newspaper, and the whole 16-page newspaper is offered here complete.
A few spots of foxing. Disbound.
Perfect for framing and display!!
Sold