1. Material:
  2. canvas (25)

Abraham Lincoln

Creator:
Solomon Nunes Carvalho
Location:
Unknown place made
Origin Date:
1958-1970
Materials:
oil, canvas
Measurements:
overall: 27 in x 22 1/4 in
Item ID:
71.2009.081.0565
Holding Institution:
Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, courtesy of the Indiana State Museum
Available for Viewing:
No
Category:
Fine Art

Description

This colored print was reproduced from an 1865 painting by Solomon Carvalho titled "Abraham Lincoln and Diogenes," the only known portrait of President Lincoln by a contemporary Jewish artist. The painting depicts the Greek Cynic philosopher Diogenes dropping his lantern upon encountering Lincoln, surprised that he had at last found an honest man—the subject of his legendary quest. Lincoln, seated beneath a neoclassical statue of George Washington, holds a copy of his second inaugural address open to the words, “malice toward none, with charity for all.” The Capitol Building can be seen in the background behind the Greek characters depicted. A brass label attached to the frame states that the print is reproduced from the original painting in the collection of Brandeis University. The portrait is based on a photograph of Lincoln from February 1861, taken a few days before his inauguration. Part of the Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, courtesy of the Indiana State Museum