[LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865)]. [GARDNER, Alexander (1821-1882), photographer, attrib.]. Large

[LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865)]. [GARDNER, Alexander (1821-1882), photographer, attrib.]. Large format photograph of Abraham Lincoln's second inauguration. Washington, DC, 4 March 1865.

9 1/8 x 7 in. albumen photograph on original 13 3/4 x 10 5/8 in. cardstock mount (rich tonality, light even toning to print, light pucker to lower left edge of print, a few touch-ups to the negative, the largest being 3/4 in., very fine condition overall; mount with light soiling and wear to corners). Lacking a studio imprint but believed to have been taken by Alexander Gardner, who took several exposures at the second inauguration. Catalogued by Lincoln collector Lloyd Ostendorf as O-108.

Abraham Lincoln is shown standing at the east front of the Capitol Building, delivering his second inaugural address to a massive crowd of people. He is surrounded by a number of dignitaries, including Vice President-elect Andrew Johnson, Vice President Hannibal Hamlin, his cabinet, and members of the Supreme Court. It has been suggested widely that John Wilkes Booth is visible in the crowd of spectators; however, it is impossible to prove that Booth is pictured here.

RARE: Only one example of this photograph has appeared at auction in the last decade.
This lot is located in Cincinnati.