[Abraham LINCOLN] George AYRES (1829-1905) after Alexander HESLER (1823-1895), mounted albumen photograph, 215 x 174 mm. (8 1/2 x 6 3/4), a portrait of Abraham Lincoln in near profile printed from the original negative. (Ostendorf #26)

Chicago photographer Alexander Hesler was invited to photograph Lincoln in Springfield in June 1860 soon after his nomination for President at the Republican National Convention. During the sitting in the Old State House Hesler took three portraits. Lincoln remarked upon seeing the proofs, “That looks better and expresses me better than I have ever seen; if it pleases the people I am satisfied.”

This photograph is considered one of the finest ever taken of Lincoln. His law partner William Herndon noted of it, “There is the peculiar curve of the lower lip, the lone mole on the right cheek, and a pose of the head so essentially Lincolnian; no other artist has ever caught it.”

Artist George B. Ayres acquired two of Hesler’s original negatives following the close of the Civil War and made a living selling prints of them from the 1880s through the turn of the century. Ayres’ original interpositive for this image was broken in transit in the 1930s.

Housed in a deep and ornate victorian frame (14 x 12 in.) with gilt trim.

Some loss to backing from previous housing in a twentieth century photo album, slightly trimmed, however the albumen is in superb shape with very little evidence of wear or fading. 

(EXA 5437)  $2,500