Political Americana Appraisal

Abraham Lincoln Hand-Colored Lithograph by Kellogg

This is a hand-colored lithograph titled “Abraham Lincoln,” published by Kellogg of Hartford around 1861. The print measures approximately 10 by 14 inches and depicts Abraham Lincoln standing in a formal pose. He is shown wearing a dark suit with a waistcoat and a bow tie. His left hand rests on a book, likely a Bible or law book, which is placed on a blue draped table. To his left, a gold-upholstered chair with dark wood accents is visible. The background features deep blue drapes on the right side and a pillar or wall on the left, leading to what appears to be an American flag motif in the upper left corner. The coloration of the print, being hand-applied, exhibits subtle variations, typical of early lithographic techniques. The overall condition appears good given its age, with no obvious major tears or deep creases identifiable from the image, but some minor edge wear or discoloration might be present, consistent with a print of this vintage. The paper exhibits a slight discoloration that could be a result of natural aging, also known as patina. Below the image, the title “ABRAHAM LINCOLN” is clearly printed, followed by the caption: “The people of these United States are the rightful masters of both Congresses & Courts, not to overthrow the Constitution, but to overthrow the men who pervert that Constitution.” This quote, often attributed to Lincoln, adds significant historical context to the piece. The stated rarity as a 'Baillie Presidential Print' suggests it might be part of a specific collection or series known for its historical significance and potentially limited production. The craftsmanship, particularly the hand-coloring, indicates an attention to detail typical of commercial prints of the mid-19th century.