American painter (1830–1900) who resided with Lincoln at the White House for six months and is best known for his 1864 painting, ‘First Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation of President Lincoln.’ ALS signed “F. B. Carpenter,” three pages, lightly-lined on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, July 26, 1865. Letter to Rev. John W. Lane. In part: "Your letter gave me sincere pleasure. If I have been the humble instrument of increasing in any degree the popular knowledge of, or regard for, our late beloved President [Lincoln], I have not lived in vain. I loved him as a parent, and I have endeavoured to give a true picture of him, in my written sketches, as well as in colors on canvas. It is just a year ago today, that the incident occurred to which you refer, in front of the White House,—What changes the year has brought! The engraving of my large painting is progressing rapidly, and will be issued about Jan'y 1st—of next year. Ritchie is doing it on steel i. e. (a large plate)—and Derby & Miller are to publish it." In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, filled out in Carpenter’s hand. This letter refers to his famous painting, ‘First Reading,’ which was made popular by the distribution of Ritchie’s engraving. However, Carpenter reworked the painting throughout the ensuing years, most notably making changes to Lincoln’s face. Today the painting hangs in the Capitol, visibly different from—and by most accounts inferior to—the version used for the engraving. RR Auction COA.
