Volck, Adalbert John, 1828-1912 Lincoln writing the Emancipation Proclamation
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00493.03 Author/Creator: Volck, Adalbert John, 1828-1912 Place Written: s.l. Type: Print Date: circa 1880-1890 Pagination: 1 etching : b&w Height: 26.2 cm, Width: 33.7 cm Order a Copy
Depicts a menacing-looking Lincoln slumping in his chair writing the Emancipation Proclamation with his left foot sitting on top of a copy of the U.S. Constitution. Demon imagery is found throughout. The Statue of Liberty's head is covered by Lincoln's Scotch cap to simulate a baboon. Background has two paintings. One depicts the slave rebellion on Saint Domingo and the other John Brown as "St. Ossawotamie." Osawotamie is a reference to a battle at the town of Osawatomie, Kansas in August 1856 when some 250 border ruffians attacked the free-soil town. Brown defended the town with 30 men, but it was burned to the ground and his son, Frederick, was killed by a bullet through the heart. A curtain is pulled back from a window showing a flock of birds ominously flying in the distance. Size in extent is for the mount. The actual size of the etching is 20.4 x 26.2 cm. Title found in pencil on verso.
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