Abraham

1864 · réf. 17510 — 1864. Abraham Lincoln and Civil War Figures Album of pasted oval portraits with signatures underneath each image. 1861. Features most notably Abraham Lincoln with a pasted signature below his image. This mid-nineteenth-century photographic album assembles oval portraits of political and military figures during the Civil War era including a pasted signature beneath an engraved portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the 15th page. Dated inscriptions from 1861 situate the compilation at the outset of national conflict. The inclusion of Lincoln Henry Clay and numerous uniformed figures reflects contemporary practices of collecting and memorializing political leadership through photographic reproduction and autograph acquisition. Photographic album measuring approximately 4.5 x 7 inches. Dark green morocco boards with gilt "Photographs" title. Contains 93 black-and-white and sepia portraits most approximately 2.5 x 2.25 inches mounted on pages. Lincoln portrait with separate pasted signature "A. Lincoln"; Henry Clay portrait with pasted signature; additional signatures written directly on album leaves. Spine chipped at head with separation; rubbing along margins; binding intact; photographs generally clear with minor age toning. Overall condition very good. he album reflects nineteenth-century commemorative culture preserving images and autographs of national figures during a transformative political moment. unknown