Iconic original circa 1866 print, 35 x 25, depicting Lincoln’s meeting with his cabinet on July 22, 1862 for “The First Reading the Emancipation Proclamation Before the Cabinet.” This engraving was produced by Alexander Hay Ritchie from the original 1864 Francis Bicknell Carpenter painting which apparently still hangs in the U. S. Capitol Building. All seven cabinet members (Edwin M. Stanton, Salmon P. Chase, Gideon Wells, Caleb Smith, William H. Seward, Montgomery Blair and Edward Bates), with their names shown in the lower border, are portrayed. Of note is the infamous 'empty chair' which historians tell us was likely for one Anna Emma Carroll, an advisor and confidante of the President whom Mary Todd Lincoln reportedly wished not to be included in the scene. This historic rendering is housed in a vintage black/gold wooden frame to an overall size of 38 x 28. In fine condition, with some light discoloration in the borders.
