Abraham Lincoln Portrait, Signed Artist Proof Dramatically Presented With Mourning Crepe

A visually arresting display consisting of an artist proof etching depicting 16th U.S. President Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) by Thomas Johnson after an original photograph by Alexander Gardner; mounted below a large fragment of black mourning crepe ribbon, presumably preserved after festivities marking Lincoln's death, funeral train, or burial in 1865. Expected wear commensurate with age, overall near fine. The crepe shows isolated slightly fraying edges, but the color is rich and dark; the cockade is negligibly faded. The whole is matted and framed behind glass. Not examined out of the frame. In an early mahogany-finished frame with gilt filet, which has been rebacked but still has a vintage framer's label from J.J. Gillespie Co. of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania verso. Scattered minor scratches and scuffs to the frame. Framed to an overall size of 22.75" x 25.75" x 1."

The lot includes:

1. An artist proof etching of Abraham Lincoln by British-American printmaker Thomas Johnson (1844-1904), as published by Charles Barmore, ca. 1892. The portrait showing the left profile of Lincoln was based on an original photograph taken by Alexander Gardner (1821-1882) in Washington, D.C. on November 8, 1863. Signed in stone by the artist as "T. Johnson" at lower left. Outside of the image field along the bottom margin are found, from left to right: a facsimile signature of Lincoln; publishing information ("Published by Charles Barmore, New York"); the artist's pencil signature as "T Johnson"; and copyright information ("Copyright 1892 by Thomas Johnson.") The sight size of the print is 10.5" x 13.375."

2. A black mourning crepe ribbon is mounted above Johnson's etching. The right panel features a tricolored cockade. Each length of the bow measures between approximately 12.5" and 13" with the width being about 3.375."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!