CURRIER AND IVES, publishers. -- After G. Thomas
Washington and Lincoln: The Father and the Saviour of Our Country. 1865. (G.7046)
Medium-format lithograph with hand-coloring heightened on wove paper, sight 16 x 10 1/2 in., spotting, minor surface abrasions and soiling affecting title and text, creases, two minor tears at upper portion partially affecting image. Matted and framed. Overall 22 3/4 x 17 in. Unexamined out of frame.
With Lincoln's assassination following so close upon the heels of the end of the Civil War, Americans couldn't help but draw parallels between the savior of the United States and the man roundly considered to be its father, George Washington. These prints served the dual purpose of expressing a nation's grief and in elevating Lincoln into the pantheon of American heroes.
The present image was one of many designed and printed in great numbers immediately following Lincoln's death to capitalize on the feelings of grief which had gripped the American public. Washington, depicted here as taller than Lincoln despite in fact being shorter, grasps his successor's hand and raises one arm in triumph towards the flame of liberty.
PROVENANCE:
Mastai Collection (three blind-stamps at corners).
This lot is located in Chicago.
