Picturing Lincoln: More than just photos!

By Kelsey Wise

The latest “Picturing Lincoln” upload is our most diverse batch of images yet! Unlike the previous uploads, which focused primarily on photographs of and related to Lincoln, this upload features broadsides, posters, advertisements, poems, songs, illustrated reproductions of letters, speeches, and more.

Alongside historic Civil War-era artifacts there are also more modern-day treasures including a few items related to the ALPLM itself.

You can download all of these and hundreds more images at www.PresidentLincoln.Illinois.gov/PicturingLincoln.

The Civil War

Broadsides of the time tell the story of the Civil War through visual media with eye-catching headlines, color, and illustrations.

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This rare broadside was printed and posted by the Charleston Mercury and announces South Carolina’s secession from the Union. This one state had unilaterally declared the Union of 1776 to be dissolved.

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Recruitment posters were commonplace during the Civil War, and our collection has many, but this one stands out as it appeals to Irish immigrants to enlist. The green ink sets this poster apart as it serves as a powerful symbol of Irish nationalism and heritage while the text serves as a call to action to assert their loyalty to their new country.

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This colorful and illustrated broadside celebrates the fall of Richmond in 1865, when Union forces captured the Confederate capital. The red, white, and blue colors along with the Eagle imagery invoke feelings of patriotism, nationalism, and unity.

Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln’s famous words and likeness have been memorialized, celebrated, reproduced, and utilized in many ways throughout the years. A range of examples can be found throughout the collection.

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This colorful lithograph is a copy of the famous speech by Lincoln: the Gettysburg Address. The original text can be found in the center with translations in 8 other languages surrounding it. The following languages are represented: Hebrew, Greek, Japanese, French, German, Russian, Spanish, and Latin.

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This reproduction of a letter from Lincoln to Mrs. Bixby dated November 21, 1864 adds a whimsical touch to an otherwise serious correspondence. The use of color and illustrations, the choice of font, and the decorative border give the appearance of a storybook rather than a solemn letter to a grieving mother.

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This advertisement for Havana cigars utilizes Lincoln’s image and reputation (“Honest Old Abe”) to promote their brand. To this day, Lincoln’s name, image, and likeness are used for commercial purposes.

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These images of an Abraham Lincoln baseball card (front and back) are a fun way to engage with history. The image on the front of the card was taken from a political cartoon originally published by Currier & Ives. The “stats” on the back paint a picture of Lincoln’s life including measurements, politics, and more.

ALPLM

The history of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum can also be traced across this collection.

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The Illinois State Historical Library was the predecessor to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and thus the beginnings of this institution’s collection. Above is a poster celebrating a century of service by the ISHL.

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During the planning stages for the museum, a team of artists created the above model sheet. After studying all known photos of Lincoln and using forensic illustration techniques, Lincoln’s facial features were mapped and rotated so he could be seen from different angles. All Lincoln representations in the museum (paintings, sculptures, figures, and so on) used this model sheet as a reference in order to assure consistency based on solid research.

AV-LB1597

This program from the Opening Ceremony for the ALPLM's library building, on October 14, 2004 was circulated to those in attendance. The library opened its doors on this day, with the museum opening a few months later in April of 2005. We have been serving the public ever since.

Wise is one of the ALPLM's AV libriarians.

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