Some of the most significant photographs of Abraham Lincoln, his assassins, and his funeral were taken by Alexander Gardner. Gardner worked for Mathew Brady from 1856-1862. Because of Brady's habit of giving himself credit for pictures his field photographers took, he did not receive the recognition his photography warranted and may have been the cause of his leaving Brady. In 1863, artist and sculptor Sarah Fisher Ames commissioned Gardner to make this portrait of Lincoln. The image was taken just a few days before delivering the Gettysburg Address. This pose is one of the rare photographs of Lincoln looking directly at the viewer. It shows a haggard president with heavy lines on his face. His "lazy" left eye is noticeable. It is one of the best-known photographs of Lincoln and was used by sculptor Daniel Chester French as the model for the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Mastering materials: An albumen photographic print

November 8, 1863

Creator: Alexander Gardner, photographer, 1821-1882

Availability: Usually ships in 2-3 days

Product #: 21604041