Abraham Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois c. 1860 - 1880

This portrait of Abraham Lincoln, taken by Alexander Hesler between 1860 and 1880, depicts the future president in a formal pose. The image, now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, captures Lincoln's signature somber expression and the lines etched on his face, hinting at the weight of his future role. Hesler, a renowned photographer of the time, employed the popular daguerreotype process to create this timeless image, showcasing Lincoln in a three-quarter view. This portrait serves as a poignant reminder of Lincoln's journey to leadership, capturing the essence of a man destined to lead a nation through immense change.