SIUC's Morris Library lends rare Lincoln Portrait to David Davis Mansion

BLOOMINGTON - A rare portrait of Abraham Lincoln, previously displayed in Morris Library's Heritage Room at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, will be displayed for a year beginning February 15 at the David Davis Mansion State Historic Site, 1000 East Monroe Drive, Bloomington.

 

Following a brief ceremony on February 15 at 5 p.m., the Lincoln portrait by Philadelphia painter Edward Dalton Marchant (1806-1887) will remain on display for a year at the Davis Mansion.  A nationally noted 19^th-century portrait artist, Edward Dalton Marchant painted many famous Americans, including Henry Clay, John Quincy Adams and Illinois Governor Edward Coles. The Lincoln portrait to be displayed at the Davis Mansion bears the inscription, "Painted from life Marchant Phila."  It has similarities to the landmark Union League of Philadelphia portrait, painted by Marchant in 1863, and may have served as a study for that famous painting. The Union League portrait commemorated the Emancipation Proclamation and was painted at the White House.  

 

SIUC's Morris Library is in the midst of a $48 million renovation and previously lent the Vandalia Statehouse a Lincoln portrait by Alban Conant, which also will be displayed at the Davis Mansion for an unspecified period.  Library Affairs Dean David Carlson said, "Morris Library's renovation will give the people of Illinois a unique opportunity to view two rare portraits—both by artists who painted Lincoln from life—in an appropriate and historic setting."

 

David Davis was a friend and colleague of Abraham Lincoln and served as his campaign manager in the presidential election of 1860. Lincoln appointed Davis to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1862.

 

            For more information about this event or viewing this portrait, please contact the David Davis Mansion at davismansion@yahoo.com or (309) 828-1024 or visit their web site: http://www.daviddavismansion.org/.