Abraham Lincoln c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have John Chester Buttre's portrait of Abraham Lincoln. The lithographic printmaking process gives the image a delicate feel. How do you see the materiality of this portrait influencing its message? Curator: Well, the mass-producible nature of lithography democratizes Lincoln's image. Consider the socioeconomic context; this allowed broader access, shaping his persona. What about the paper and ink themselves? Editor: I hadn't considered the impact of cheap reproduction on Lincoln’s image! Curator: Exactly! It challenges traditional notions of portraiture and memorialization, moving beyond the elite to a wider public consumption. A very poignant point to reflect on.