photo critique - abraham lincoln by mathew brady studio (1863)

8/13/2019 Photo critique - Abraham Lincoln by Mathew Brady Studio (1863)

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Andrew D. Bushner

September 11, 2013

AH 370 The History of Photography

Project 1Photograph Critique


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The photograph titledAbraham Lincoln is an albumen cabinet card produced by the

Mathew Brady Studio in the year 1863. The photograph shows President Abraham Lincoln

posed in a more natural position with one arm to his side and the other arm bent at a 90 degree

angle behind his back. The photograph has Abraham Lincoln centered in the picture and he is

looking towards the camera. Abraham Lincolns facial expression appears to be verycontent

and even pleased, his hair is clean-cut and styled and his beard is also well-defined. There is no

use of props in the photograph; President Lincoln is standing in front of an empty wall with what

appears to be part of a curtain hanging from the ceiling next to him. Additionally, President

Lincoln is not holding anything in his hands; he is wearing a vest with a bowtie and a long

overcoat. Abraham Lincoln is the sole focus of the photograph which is supported by the

photographers decision to use no props in the picture. The photograph is physically 31/3by 2

3/16inches in size and is black and white with a low contrast. The low contrast makes the picture

appear very crisp and clear, which brings out the detail in President Lincolns face and clothing.

The light in the photograph feels very natural and subtle; it looks as if President Lincoln is

standing next to a window so the light may be coming from the outside. The photograph makes

it feel like President Lincoln is standing in front of you; it gives the photograph a very personal

feeling. The photograph was not taken very up close since Lincolns upper torso is not the only

part of his body seen; however the photograph was not taken from afar since his entire body is

not seen either.

I feel that President Lincoln wanted this image to capture his optimism he had in 1863 for

the United States and its future. In 1863, President Lincoln made his Emancipation

Proclamation, which proclaimed the freedom of the slaves, as well as his famous Gettysburg

Address so he was most likely feeling confident about his future and the future of the United


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[1]Hirsch, Robert. Seizing the Light: A Social History of Photography.New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2009. Print.

States. The sense of sanguinity can definitely be seen and felt from President Lincolns facial

expression and in the way he is positioned in the photograph. He seems to have a buoyant and

affirmative mood about him in the photograph even though he is only slightly smirking with his

eyebrows faintly raised. The simplicity of the photograph amplifies this mood as well since the

room is well lit and nothing draws your attention away from President Lincolns expression. I

think that this photograph meant very much to the photographer since he was chosen to

photograph the president and he was probably one of the first who was actually able to do so.

Also, it was most likely a great honor for the Mathew Brady Studio and a chance to really show

the world what they are capable of doing. In fact, President Lincoln credited his election to his

Cooper Union speech and to his carte made by Mathew Brady.[1]

Even though the photographer

may have been very proud of his work, everyone at the time, especially in the South, probably

did not feel the same way about it. Nevertheless, despite the few people who disagree with the

photograph, it really represents a positive turning point in history.

The photographAbraham Lincoln is an excellent example of a good photograph. The

photograph is very simply an image of President Abraham Lincoln but it really captures his

essence. The way that the photographer positioned President Lincoln made him appear very

powerful and formal while making him seem very pleasant and approachable. There is a very

personal feeling about the photograph as well; the distance at which the photographer chose to

capture President Lincoln makes it feel as if the president is standing right in front of you.

Moreover, the clarity of the photograph makes it respectable. The crispness enhances the

personal feeling there is about the photo and brings out the positivity and confidence in President

Lincolns expression. The photograph is definitely a good use of photography because it brings

assurance and hopefulness to the people who view it.

photo critique - abraham lincoln by mathew brady studio (1863)

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