LINCOLN SIGNING THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION, LARGE PROOF COPY

(LINCOLN, Abraham). SERZ, John, engraver. Abraham Lincoln President of the United States Signing the Emancipation Proclamation. Philadelphia: John Dainty, 1864. Oversized folio. Image measures 14 by 20 inches, sheet measures 20 by 26 inches, matted and framed, entire piece measures 28 by 34 inches. $7000.

Publisher's proof copy of a large and striking engraving of Abraham Lincoln, engraved by Serz after a painting by Winner.

President Lincoln, with quill pen in hand and with a Bible, a stuffed eagle and a bust of George Washington in the background, has just finished signing the Emancipation Proclamation in this steel-engraved print of William E. Winner's famous painting, dated 1864 and marked "proof" in the lower right corner. The engraving was done by John Serz (1808-1881), a German-born artist who settled in Philadelphia in 1851 and became known for his cityscapes and historical scenes.

Light toning; a few short closed edge tears and one longer closed tear, not touching image, with tape repair to verso. An impressive example, beautifully framed.