Iconic circa 1866 oversized engraving, 35 x 25, depicting Lincoln’s meeting with his cabinet on July 22, 1862 for “The First Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation Before the Cabinet.” This engraving was produced by Alexander Hay Ritchie from the original 1864 Francis Bicknell Carpenter painting which 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. Impressively framed to an overall size of 41 x 31. In good to very good condition, with heavy overall dampstaining, toning, and soiling.
