Photograph by Ed Pollard, Hasselblad H4D50 - 2014.

Tad and Abraham Lincoln

Artist Alexander Gardner (American (born Scotland), 1821 - 1882)

DateFebruary 5, 1865

MediumAlbumen print

DimensionsOverall: 17 x 13 1/2 in. (43.2 x 34.3 cm)
Overall, Frame: 32 1/8 x 28 1/8 in. (81.6 x 71.4 cm)

ClassificationsPhotography

Credit LineGift of David L. Hack and Museum purchase, with funds from Walter P. Chrysler, Jr., by exchange

Object number98.32.9

Terms

U.S. Civil War
Washington, DC

Collections

Photography

On View

Not on view

DescriptionThe David L. Hack Civil War Photography Collection. A photograph of Lincoln and his son Tad. Lincoln is seated on the right in a wooden armchair with one elbow rested on a table situated between him and the boy. Underneath Lincoln's elbow rests a book, as well as a book in his hand, slightly rested in his lap. Tad is faintly bent over, resting his elbow on the other side of the round table. His other arm is bent so that his hand is resting at his side with fingers clutching his pocket. Tad's right foot is flat on the ground while his left foot is perpendicular to the carpet he stands on. This is from _Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War_ (Hack Collection No. 302).

Label TextAlexander Gardner American, 1821−1882 Tad and Abraham Lincoln, 1865 Albumen print (photograph) Thomas (Tad) Lincoln (1853−1871), the president’s youngest son, posed with his father for this portrait in Alexander Gardner’s Washington, D.C., studio on February 5, 1865. The president sat for a picture with Tad in Mathew Brady’s gallery the previous February as well. Tad was Lincolns’ favorite child, notoriously spoiled by his parents, and the only family member with whom Lincoln ever had his portrait made. This portrait is Lincoln’s last formal sitting, which took place barely two months before his assassination. Gift of David L. Hack and Museum purchase, with funds from Walter P. Chrysler, Jr., by exchange 98.32.9