^#1568 ^Lot 1626 Abraham Lincoln

Wet plate, albumen 2.5 x 4 carte-de-visite photo. Full seated view of Abraham Lincoln deeply absorbed in thought, an inkwell clearly visible on the studio table at his side as well as a complete view of his trademark top hat. Backmark: E. Anthony, New York, made from a photographic negative from Brady's National Portrait Gallery. Also bears a label from agent McAllister & Brother, Philadelphia. In fine condition, with a few trivial surface marks. This image was taken on or about February 24, 1861, at the studio of Mathew Brady. It was the very first sitting by Abraham Lincoln in Washington. The president elect, weary from an almost 2,000 mile train journey, and the possible outbreak of war weighing heavy in his thoughts, sat for a series of five poses which were taken by Alexander Gardner.