Mr. Lincoln. Residence and Horse by Louis Kurz and Charles Shober

Lincoln, Abraham · 1865

This commemorative black and white print from 1865 was created in the period of high public demand for Lincoln images after his assassination, during which many Northerners felt a desire to display a representation of the man they believed to be the savior of the nation. The print depicts Lincoln on horseback in front of his Springfield, Illinois, after returning home against his successful campaign against the Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Stephen Douglas. It employs the popular image of Lincoln at home to portray him as both a family man and an approachable representative of the people. Although he would have been clean shaven at this time, the printmakers included Abe’s later, characteristic beard.