Abraham Lincoln (three-quarters) c. 19th century

Curator: "Abraham Lincoln (three-quarters)" by Thomas Johnson, captures a somber Lincoln, his gaze averted. What strikes you about this portrait? Editor: Well, beyond the obvious historical significance, I notice a certain melancholy in his expression. What story does this image tell about Lincoln and the era he represents? Curator: It's crucial to consider the context: Johnson, though born earlier, created this image reflecting on Lincoln's legacy during a period of intense national division and reconstruction. How does the portrait's somber tone speak to the complexities of liberation and the unfulfilled promises of equality? Editor: That's a powerful way to look at it. So, it’s not just a portrait, but a commentary on the ongoing struggle for equality? Curator: Precisely. It invites us to reflect on how far we've come, and how far we still have to go. Editor: This gives me a lot to think about regarding art as a tool for social commentary. Curator: Indeed, and that's the point.