Seated in front of a classical statue, certainly Liberty, with a broken chain at her feet, Lincoln is portrayed here with quill pen in hand, having just signed a document dated January 1, 1863, the date that the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect. This mezzotint print was engraved by John Sartain of Philadelphia, based on a portrait of Lincoln done by Edward Dalton Marchant on commission from the Union League in Philadelphia. The prints were published by Bradley and Company of Philadelphia and bear a facsimile signature of Lincoln at lower right among the publication credits, copyright statement, and assurance to the public that it was done from life at the White House in 1863. The original painting is still in possession of the Union League.

The print is not mounted and has foxing and water stains as shown, but only one small margin tear on the right edge of the mount and a slight push at Lincoln’s left thumb. This is an interesting contemporary celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation. Lincoln certainly used a modern pen in the signing. The open ink pot and quill pen are plainly meant to place him among the founding fathers. Interestingly, the artist also included the signature of William Seward (Secretary of State,) a prominent opponent of slavery, though one who, according to some, was cautious about the timing of Lincoln’s proclamation.  [sr]

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