I have over 5,000 prints in my
collection. Below, for your consideration, are the five prints that
are my personal favorites. I choose them because of their historical
importance, their visual impact, and because the topics are of particular
interest to me. Each piece is over 140 years old.
Please click on the pictures to see an enlargement.
President Abraham Lincoln Entering
Richmond Virginia April 4, 1865
(SOLD)
In my mind this is the most stunning and
collectible of all Civil War Era Abraham Lincoln Portraits. The leaf is
from an 1866 Harper's Weekly, and is a large 16 x 20 illustration.
The print represents Abraham Lincoln entering the city of Richmond
Virginia several days after its fall in the Civil War. Mr. Lincoln
is shown being almost worshipped by both Blacks and Whites as he walks
down the street. One Black woman is seen holding her small child up
to Mr. Lincoln, while another woman is seen kissing his hand. Mr. Lincoln
has his trademark top hat, tie, and jacket. The ruins of Richmond
are seen in the background. This print appeared in Harper's after
the assassination, and probably better than any other image captures both
the legacy and persona of this great American President. This is a
powerful and touching print that will be cherished for generations.
General George McClellan
This is a brilliant, original 1861 portrait of General
George McClellan. The sketch is based on a photograph by Mathew
Brady. This is the most striking period portrait of a
Civil War General to be found. It is a large 16 x 20 print, and
shows General McClellan next to his horse. This print will become
the center of attention when framed and displayed in your home or
office. It was McClellan's tireless and disciplined training of the
Union army that played a significant role in its victory in the war, and
this print captures the pride and stature of this great man.
Robert E. Lee and Lady Liberty
This is a touching and moving 1865
illustration by
Thomas Nast. The print is another 11x16 Harper's Weekly original,
and shows one of the difficult and trying political debates of the
day. The image shows Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis, and other
Southern leaders bowing in submission to Lady Liberty. The print is
captioned, "Pardon, shall we trust these men?" Robert E.
Lee applied for but was not granted a pardon following the war. The image
is from shortly after the end of the War, and shows Lady Liberty pondering
the fate of the Southern Patriots. After the war, the Nation had to
decide whether to restore these men's citizenship, or just what to do with
them. This print captures this difficult and trying chapter of our
Nation's history.
On to Richmond
In my opinion, this is the most dramatic
Civil War Battle Scenes to be found. It is a
large 16x20 illustration by Thomas Nast, and is from an original 1864 Harper's
Weekly. The image shows a determined union force making its way across the
battlefield on its way to Richmond. Fallen soldiers are seen
encouraging their comrades on. The men have a look of fierce
determination on their face as they press onward. The tattered flag
is still flying.
The Sharpshooter
Winslow Homer was one of the most famous
artists of the 1800's. He got his start illustrating the Civil War
for Harper's Weekly. Winslow Homer prints have become the most
collected of all Harper's Weekly illustrations, and this one is the most
famous and collected Winslow Homer of this era. The image shows a
Union Sharpshooter perched in a tree, drawing a bead on the enemy.
The shooters canteen can be seen in the tree. The Sharpshooter is
the most difficult to find illustration from Harper's Weekly, and this is
the first I have been able to offer in some time. When this one is
gone, I don't know when I will be able to offer another one. The leaf in
is mint condition. This one is the best condition I have seen. The print is a fullpage 16x11 leaf.