Abraham Lincoln Portrait on card, Frontspiece to Memorial Address on the Life and Character of Abraham Lincoln, 1866

This 1866 black-and-white steel engraving features a central portrait of Abraham Lincoln set within a highly detailed oval frame. Lincoln is shown from the chest up, looking slightly to the side with his signature beard, dark suit, and bow tie. Above the frame sits an eagle with its wings open, positioned behind a patriotic shield and standard. Below the portrait, the name “A. Lincoln” is written in a stylized facsimile signature script.

The surrounding artwork is heavily decorated with complex scrollwork, floral accents, and two small figures at the bottom corners. Small text at the very bottom reads, “Engraved & Printed at the Treasury Department.” This specific plate was originally created to serve as the frontispiece portrait for the first edition publication of the Memorial Address on the Life and Character of Abraham Lincoln. This famous eulogy was delivered by historian George Bancroft before both houses of Congress on February 12, 1866.