Abraham Lincoln CDV After Berger

Abraham Lincoln
n.p., ca. mid to late 19th century
Abraham Lincoln CDV After Berger
CDV

A vintage carte de visite depicting 16th U.S. President Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) photograph after Anthony Berger, the superintendent of Mathew Brady?s Washington, D.C. gallery. N.d., but probably second half of the 19th century. N.p. The sepia-colored albumen photograph is mounted on a cream stock card printed "A. Lincoln, / Born, Feb 12th, 1809 - Died April 15th, 1865" along the bottom margin. The reverse is blank. Expected wear including toning, isolated edge darkening, and weathering. Scattered superficial scuffs to the photo surface, and a few stains and marks on the mount verso. Two of the mount corners are slightly blunted. Else very good to near fine. The carte de visite measures 2.5" x 3.875" overall.

The photograph shows Lincoln at a 3/4 pose turning to the left. It was originally taken by Anthony Berger in the Cabinet Room at the White House on February 9, 1864. It was actually one of seven portraits taken during the same afternoon session, despite difficulties encountered with lighting, and unexpected delays caused by Tad's locking the door and absconding with the key! Berger's session resulted in no less than four iconic and unusual Lincoln portraits: his "penny" profile (Ostendorf 88); the inspiration for the $5 bill portrait (Ostendorf 91); his standing (Ostendorf 94); and father and son (Ostendorf 93). Robert Todd Lincoln favored this portrait of his father above all others.

A German ?migr?, Anthony Berger (born 1832, active 1860s) started working for Mathew Brady's photographic studio around 1855. His duties included converting photographic images into oil paintings and overseeing photography sessions. By the 1860s, he had become the manager of Brady's National Portrait Gallery.

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!
2.5" x 3.875"