1. Creator/Author:
  2. A. H. Ritchie (10)

The First Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation Before the Cabinet

Creator:
A. H. Ritchie
Location:
New York, New York
Origin Date:
1866
Materials:
paper
Measurements:
overall: 26 in x 36 in
Item ID:
71.2009.081.1123
Holding Institution:
Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, courtesy of the Indiana State Museum
Available for Viewing:
No
Category:
Fine Art

Description

This large engraving, done from the original painting by Francis B. Carpenter in 1864, depicts a room in the White House with President Abraham Lincoln seated at a table with his Cabinet members. President Lincoln is shown just left of center, legs crossed, holding papers on his lap, facing the viewer. Secretary of War Stanton (seated) and Secretary of the Treasury Chase are on the viewer's left of the President. Secretary of the Navy Welles and Secretary of State Seward are seated to the viewer's right of the President. Standing behind them are Secretary of the Interior Smith and Postmaster General Blair. Seated at the opposite end of the table from President Lincoln is Attorney General Bates. Various documents, books, and maps are scattered throughout the room on the floor as well as on the table. The names of the men shown are printed just below the image. The title of the work is printed in the bottom margin: "The First Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation Before the Cabinet. From the original picture painted at the White House in 1864." President Lincoln was supposed to receive the first copy of this print, but had been assassinated by the time the engraving appeared. Shortly after, the print became a best-seller. 71.2009.082.0203, .0078, .0455, and1115, are all copies or reproductions of this print. Part of the Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, courtesy of the Indiana State Museum