Abraham Lincoln 1919

This is Timothy Cole's portrait of Abraham Lincoln, made in monochrome with intricate lines. Looking at it, I’m trying to imagine the act of creation. How do you approach capturing the likeness of such a monumental figure? I sympathize with Cole, trying to imagine what it was like to create this. He probably felt a huge responsibility, right? Like, how do you even start to capture the weight of history and character in one image? I bet he spent hours just staring, trying to understand not just what Lincoln looked like, but who he *was*. I’m drawn to the texture Cole creates with those lines. It’s not just about being precise, it’s about feeling the fabric of Lincoln’s suit, the weight of his gaze. Each stroke seems intentional, like a meditation on form and presence. Cole’s work connects to a long history of portraiture, echoing masters like Rembrandt. And it reminds us that artists are always in conversation across time, borrowing, responding, and pushing each other forward.