July 2023 Auction Ends Thursday, July 27th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/27/2023
One of the most iconic photographs in American history, showing Abraham Lincoln on the Civil War battlefield of Antietam, still the bloodiest battle on American soil fought 17 September 1862. Although the Union forces lost nearly 12,000 men in killed and wounded that day, Antietam was a pivot point during the war, turning momentum to the Union side so much that it gave Lincoln the ability to issue the Emancipation Proclamation on 22 September.
Taken by Alexander Gardner, this period albumen print was captured two weeks after the battle on 3 October 1862. Lincoln visits Commanding General George McClellan's campsite, feeling that a personal visit was required to convince the General to seize the moment and pursue General Robert E. Lee's retreating army. McClellan stalled however, and Lincoln would remove him from his command a month later. McClellan, in turn, would then run against Lincoln for the 1864 Presidential election. The physical posturing of the two men here is striking, with Lincoln standing a foot taller than the General, whose slouching, perhaps even dismissive, posture perhaps reveals his dissension with the Commander in Chief.
Photograph measures 9'' x 6.625'', mounted to period mat numbered 23, taken from Gardner's ''Photographic Sketch Book of the Civil War''. Washington, D.C.: Philp and Solomons, 1865-66. Visible portion of mat measures 11'' x 9.25'', nicely framed to a size of 17'' x 15.5''. Not examined out of frame. Minor toning to mat and photo, not as much as normally seen. Very good plus condition.
The Famous Civil War Photograph, ''President Lincoln on Battle-Field of Antietam'' -- Albumen Print by Alexander Gardner Measures 9'' x 6.625''
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