Abraham Lincoln “The Martyr President” Memorial Carte-de-Visite Published by J. H. Hall, Brooklyn, New York Circa 1865

Description

Abraham Lincoln “The Martyr President” Memorial Carte-de-Visite

Published by J. H. Hall, Brooklyn, New York Circa 1865

 

Original Civil War-era memorial carte-de-visite honoring President Abraham Lincoln, produced in the wake of his assassination on April 15, 1865. This mourning image features Lincoln’s portrait framed within a classically inspired funerary monument beneath the inscription “A. Lincoln” and the poignant title “The Martyr President.” His birth and death dates, February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865, are prominently displayed, serving as a solemn tribute to the fallen leader who preserved the Union during America’s greatest national crisis.

 

The lower margin bears the imprint “Phot. & Pub. by J. H. Hall, Cor. York & Fulton Sts., Brooklyn,” identifying the noted nineteenth-century photographer and publisher. Hall’s Lincoln memorial images were among the many commemorative pieces purchased by grieving Americans during the national period of mourning following the President’s death.

 

Memorial cartes-de-visite such as this were treasured keepsakes, often displayed in albums or framed in homes as enduring reminders of Lincoln’s legacy. Their historical significance, coupled with their strong visual appeal, has made them highly desirable among collectors of Lincolniana, Civil War photography, and nineteenth-century Americana.

 

This example displays an attractive sepia portrait with bold printing and pleasing contrast. Honest age toning and light edge wear are consistent with its 160-year history and do not detract from its outstanding display qualities.

 

An exceptional and increasingly scarce relic from one of the most defining moments in American history, this original Lincoln mourning carte serves as both a poignant memorial and an important artifact of the nation’s remembrance of its sixteenth President.

 

Inventory Number: POL 433