All of Lincoln’s faces…
I lucked out getting to Washington DC a couple of weeks ago. I read in today’s paper about the Obama family visiting the Lincoln Memorial last evening and could remember pretty acutely the large emotions I felt standing there myself so recently. How could you not feel such a deep sense of irony and awe? To see President-Elect Obama standing at the feet of Abe Lincoln may have been more than my tear ducts could stand. And I’m a Canadian for heaven’s sake!
The day before I visited the Lincoln Memorial I had spent time at the National Portrait Gallery studying the photographs of Lincoln in their “One Life – The Mask of Lincoln” exhibit. What a privilege to stand and study the Alexander Gardner albumen silver print taken in 1865 – the one from the cracked plate. (Gardner twisted the plate as he removed it from the camera – and it broke into two pieces. He made this one image and threw the plate away.) It is rarely on display and in fact will be replaced by a facsimile on February 17 in order to preserve it. A once-in-a-lifetime viewing for me, I think. I love surprises like that!
1865 – Gardner
The photograph that made me practically jump when I walked up to it is another Gardner, this one taken earlier in 1863. I’m not kidding when I say I thought I was looking into the eyes of the great man himself. Even with this tiny reproduction, you can sense it.
1863 – Gardner
The third image that stood out for me was Matthew Brady’s salt paper print taken in 1860. A gorgeous and singular portrait and one I spent a long time looking at.
1860 - Brady
I didn’t know this exhibition was up until I got to the Gallery. But… the good news for you is that it is up until July 5, 2009. If you are anywhere near Washington, go and see it. I never cease to marvel that all our national museums are free – the best kind of use of my tax dollars.
When you’ve spent time observing these rare and lovely images, take a walk: up the Mall to the feet of the great leader himself.
