Beschreibung:

Lincoln and His Family.
Philadelphia: published by Bradley & Co., 1866. Mezzotint by William Sartian after Waugh, marked 'proof', printed by Irwin & Sartain on india paper mounted on wove paper. Sheet size: 24 3/4 x 32 7/8 in. Condition : toning, and small tears and creases to margins of mount. A masterpiece from William Sartain "in accuracy of portraiture and artistic excellence of execution [this work] is acknowledged to be unsurpassed by any Engraving ever executed in America" (contemporary advertisement). "The President and Mrs. Lincoln are seated at a table [in the White House], back of which is Captain Robert Lincoln, standing in a manly and pleasing attitude. Little 'Tad', the idol of his Father … sits upon an ottoman at his Father's side … Upon the wall, in the background, hangs a portrait of Willie, who died [in 1862] during Mr. Lincoln's first Presidential term." (advertisement quoted in The Lincoln Image pp. 171-172). Above Lincoln's right shoulder is a bust of George Washington, linking him with the father of the nation. Outside the window is the outline of the Capitol dome, completed during the Lincoln presidency. Mary Lincoln sits to the right. "The grouping is graceful and harmonious. the President is in earnest conversation in regard to the future of our country … The Artist has, with happy effect, thrown into his countenance that life and animation which he was accustomed to display in cheerful and animated conversation" (op. cit. p.172). The Lincoln Image pp. pp.171-174 and figure 80.