Auction Name: 2026 March 18 The Dan Madsen Collection of Abraham Lincoln and Mark Twain Memorabilia Americana & Political Signature® Auction

Lot Number: 43031

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6335*43031

Abraham Lincoln: Emancipation Proclamation Engraving. Impressive hand-colored engraving titled, "The First Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation Before the Cabinet." Engraved in 1864 by Alexander Hay Ritchie after the original oil painting by Francis Bicknell Carpenter. Measures 25 1/2" x 35" (sight); matted and framed to an overall size of 38" x 47 1/2".

This iconic image depicts President Abraham Lincoln presenting the draft of the Emancipation Proclamation to his Cabinet. Deeply moved by the proclamation's moral and political significance, Carpenter spent six months living and working in the White House, observing Lincoln and his Cabinet members in order to produce the original painting. When Carpenter exhibited the completed work in 1864, it attracted enormous public attention and was reportedly thronged with visitors; consequently, Ritchie was commissioned to make this engraving.

Condition: Not examined out of frame. Displays in excellent condition.

NOTE: Due to size, this item may require special shipping arrangements.

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