Lincoln c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have Joseph Andrews' "Lincoln," undated. It's a striking engraving of Abraham Lincoln, and I can't help but feel the weight of history looking at it. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Beyond the individual, I see the power of image-making in shaping political narratives. Prints like this circulated widely, constructing and reinforcing Lincoln's image as a strong leader. How do you think this portrayal impacted his public perception? Editor: I suppose it gave him a sense of legitimacy and authority, especially during such a turbulent time. It’s interesting to consider how art contributed to his political persona. Curator: Precisely. And how institutions like ours, by preserving and exhibiting such works, continue to participate in shaping that legacy. A powerful, enduring dialogue, wouldn’t you say? Editor: Absolutely. I never thought about the museum’s role in perpetuating political imagery like this. Thanks for sharing your insights!