Very desirable vintage matte-finish 6.25 x 9 half-length portrait of a beardless Abraham Lincoln printed by George B. Ayres from an original negative by Alexander Hesler. Reverse annotated in pencil, “From Hesler negative, By Geo. B. Ayres, Phila,” with an affixed caption below: “Abraham Lincoln in 1860. From an original photograph by Hessler, in Chicago, soon after his nomination, and now in the collection of Ervin Chapman, D. D., L. L. D.” In fine condition.
Springfield, Illinois photographer Alexander Hesler, or Hessler, took several photographs of Lincoln in June 1860. The photos were used in the campaign for president—with one of his portraits used extensively in the 1860 presidential campaign on medals and ribbons—but were in little demand once Lincoln was elected and grew a beard. The 16th president was said to have enjoyed his photo session with Hesler, noting of one image, 'That looks better and expresses me better than any I have ever seen; if it pleases the people I am satisfied.’
