Abraham Lincoln Carte-de-Visite by J. C. Spooner 

Description

Abraham Lincoln Carte-de-Visite by J. C. Spooner 

Springfield, Massachusetts Circa 1860s 

Offered here is an original Civil War-era carte-de-visite featuring a finely rendered bust portrait of President Abraham Lincoln, one of the most recognizable and enduring images of America’s sixteenth President. The simple, elegant composition places full emphasis on Lincoln’s thoughtful expression, making it a timeless portrait prized by collectors of Lincolniana.

 

The reverse bears the backmark of J. C. Spooner’s Picture Palace, located in Foot’s Block at the corner of Main and State Streets, Springfield, Massachusetts, with the notation “Established 1846.” Springfield was an important New England center for photography during the nineteenth century, and Spooner’s studio produced cartes-de-visite that were widely collected during and after the Civil War.

Portraits of Lincoln became immensely popular throughout the war and in the years following his assassination. These affordable photographic cards were exchanged among friends, displayed in family albums, and cherished as patriotic keepsakes honoring the man who guided the nation through its greatest trial and preserved the Union.

 

This example retains a sharp, well-defined portrait with pleasing contrast and strong visual appeal. The mount displays honest age toning and light scattered spotting consistent with its nineteenth-century origin. The Springfield studio backmark remains legible, adding to both the historical interest and desirability of the piece.

 

An attractive and authentic Civil War-era Abraham Lincoln carte-de-visite with a desirable Massachusetts photographer’s imprint, this photograph represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire an enduring piece of American presidential and Civil War history. 

 

Inventory Number: POL 435