Abraham Lincoln served as the 16th President of the United States of America from 1861 to 1865. He is widely known for the integral role he played in the emancipation of slaves throughout the US. Lincoln's key role in this process caused for him to have many enemies. This resulted in his assassinated by John Wilkes Booth in 1865, causing his second term to end only forty two days after it had started. Lincoln has had a lasting impact on the US and is recognized by many as one of the greatest presidents the US has ever had. He is pictured above in a portrait created by George Peter Alexander Healy which was completed in 1887.
There are many different arguments that Healy is trying to advance through this portrait. For one, you can see how Healy created a somber tone through the use of dark colors and dark clothes. The black background, black suit, and maroon carpet create a very sad and reserved feeling in the viewer. The focus on Lincoln though, contrasts greatly with his surroundings. The lighter shades used in Lincoln's skin stands out against the otherwise dark picture. This was done to draw immediate attention to Lincoln's face and the calm, almost accepting expression there. Healy characterized Lincoln in this way for many reasons. Lincoln at this point (post-presidency) has gone through an entire civil war that almost tore his country apart, and has been the victim of hundreds of thousands of people's hate and criticism. These external pressures have resulted in a beaten and battered Lincoln that has battled and survived a lot. His reaction to these pressures can further be analyzed through the hand and arm placement.
Lincoln's right hand is on his chin, this is a classic position that makes Lincoln seem logical and level-headed. When this hand placement is coupled with Lincoln's facial expression you can see how Healy is arguing that although Lincoln has gone through a lot as president and has had to overcome many obstacles that few believed he could, he was able to remain logical in his decision making and continue serving as an effective president. Lincoln's left arm is also something to take note of. It, along with Lincoln's leaning forward seating position characterize Lincoln as if he is ready for a call to action. Even after multiple years of war and a bumpy/controversial presidency, Lincoln is still ready to serve at a moments notice. He is alert and in a position such that, if he were needed he could make himself available right away.
It is clear to see that this portrait was done with the goal to flatter Lincoln. What I wonder is, how would Lincoln be characterized in a different portrait if he had lost the civil war, divided the country, and not been able to secure slaves their citizenship.
I liked how you used previous knowledge to advance your argument. I really liked how you talked about the different points that the painter was trying to display in the painting. I thought that in the final sentence, the use of questioning how the image would change if the outcome of the civil war had changed was a good way to end your post.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statements on the arguments that Healy tried to present using darker and lighter colors to represent and create different types of tones and moods. I like how you also mentioned and had an in-depth analysis on Lincoln's hand positions and his leaning posture. The only critique I might have is that I don't know if I'd agree with the last statement of how the goal was to flatter Lincoln, but rather show how he went through struggles to achieve his power. Other than that, I thought this post was great, good work!
ReplyDeleteHey, Ryan. I appreciate your in-depth analysis of the positioning within the painting. It would have been interesting to also see additional and embedded research into the painting itself. Also, you could have made it more explicitly related to the concept of power throughout the piece.
ReplyDeleteHere's the rubric:
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Total - 21/28