Lincoln’s assassination instantly elevated him from man to myth. The nation was thrown into mourning and his face became a symbol of sacrifice and saintly public service. African Americans revered him as the “great emancipator” and voted the party of Lincoln for many decades. Schoolchildren studied him as an example of honesty, service to nation, and sacrifice for right. His birthday, along with George Washington’s, became a national holiday, a time to celebrate the virtues associated with his name. Lincoln’s image came to represent American ideals. The federal government used Lincoln’s face on money, and others employed his name to make money for their commercial enterprises by trading on the virtues associated with Lincoln’s name and image. Today, it is difficult to separate the man from the myth.

Viewers of this portion of The Faces of Lincoln exhibit are invited to consider “who was the 'real' Lincoln?” They are challenged to look closely at the images and try to determine what kind of images and symbols the printmakers used to convey their, and the nation’s, feelings toward Abraham Lincoln.

Requires at least 12 feet by 12 feet of floor space.