Stunning presentation of the First Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, displayed with the signatures of President Abraham Lincoln and his entire cabinet. Photograph is of an oil painting by Francis Bicknell Carpenter who was so inspired by the Emancipation Proclamation -- believing it was the moral underpinning of the Civil War -- that he persuaded President Lincoln to recreate the scene of the first reading. After spending four months in the White House, using the Lincoln Bedroom as his quasi-studio, the painting was unveiled in July 1864 and is now displayed in the U.S. Capitol.
The clipped signature of each man is archivally matted underneath his portrait, signed by Abraham Lincoln, Edwin Stanton, Salmon Chase, Gideon Welles, William Seward, Caleb Smith, Montgomery Blair and Edward Bates. Entire display measures 39'' x 32.25''. Signatures vary in size and condition, with Lincoln's measuring 1.25'' x .5''. A scarce collection from President Lincoln and his cabinet commemorating one of the most significant events in American history. With University Archives COA for Lincoln's signature.