1861 Lincoln Inauguration Winslow Homer Harper's Weekly March 16 Norfolk Navy Yard
$444.44
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This March 16, 1861, issue of Harper's Weekly is one of the most significant historical documents of the 19th century. It provides the definitive visual record of Abraham Lincoln’s First Inauguration, featuring a legendary centerpiece by Winslow Homer that captures the exact moment the American landscape changed forever.
Title: 1861 Winslow Homer Lincoln Inauguration Harper's Weekly March 16 Norfolk Navy Yard
📜 ABOUT THIS PIECE OF HISTORY 📜
📜 Winslow Homer’s Inaugural Masterpiece: The highlight of this issue is the breathtaking double-page centerfold by famed artist Winslow Homer: "The Inauguration of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States." This sprawling engraving shows Lincoln standing at the podium before the unfinished Capitol dome, delivering his First Inaugural Address. It is widely considered one of the most important and collectible prints in the entire Harper's Weekly series.
📜 The Transition of Power: The front page captures the somber reality of the day with "The Inaugural Procession at Washington," showing the carriage carrying the outgoing James Buchanan and the incoming Abraham Lincoln through the Capitol gates. This is paired with an interior print of the two men entering the Senate Chamber, marking the fragile peaceful transfer of power as the country sat on the edge of the abyss.
🌟 FEATURED HIGHLIGHTS 🌟
🎨 Winslow Homer & Fine Art:
Centerfold: The iconic view of the 16th President taking the oath of office.
This is a cornerstone for any serious collector of American art or Lincolniana.
⚓ Naval & Strategic Sites:
"The Navy Yard at Norfolk, Virginia" — A detailed view of this critical facility just weeks before it was burned to prevent Confederate seizure.
"The U.S. Frigate 'Sabine' Off Fort Pickens" — Documenting the ongoing naval standoff in Florida.
"The Washington Arsenal" — A look at the Union's primary weapons storage in the capital.
⚔️ The Loss of Texas:
A series of prints including Fort Davis, Fort Arbuckle, and Fort Wachita, documenting the federal posts in Texas being abandoned or surrendered following the state's secession.
🏰 Fort Sumter Interiors:
Rare contemporary views of the interior of the fort that would, in less than a month, be the site of the war's first shots.
🗞️ LITERARY & SATIRICAL CONTENT 🗞️
Charles Dickens: Continued serialization of "Great Expectations," providing a cultural backdrop to the unfolding political drama.
Political Cartoons: The back page features a biting look at the "Office-Seekers at Washington," illustrating the swarms of people hounding the new President for political favors even as the Union dissolved.
🔍 CONDITION & TRANSPARENCY 🔍
Completeness: This is the complete 16-page issue, including the original front-page procession and the massive Winslow Homer centerfold.
Authenticity: Guaranteed original woodblock printing from March 16, 1861, not a modern reproduction.
Condition Study: I take pictures of the entire sheet so you can study the condition personally. The Winslow Homer centerfold is in excellent condition, with the fine lines of the Capitol architecture still sharp and clear.
🥂 WHY IT IS A MUST-HAVE 🥂
Lincoln Collectors: This is the "Holy Grail" of inaugural issues, featuring the most famous contemporary illustration of the event.
Winslow Homer Enthusiasts: A top-tier example of Homer’s work as a "special artist" for Harper’s.
Texas & Virginia Historians: Essential views of the Norfolk Navy Yard and the lost Texas frontier forts.
Custom Framing: I offer professional framing for any item in my shop. The Winslow Homer centerfold is a museum-quality centerpiece that deserves to be a focal point in any office or library!
📦 SHIPPING & PRESERVATION 📦
Safe Storage: Housed in an acid-free archival folder with a Mylar overlay to protect the 165-year-old newsprint.
Flat Shipping: Shipped with heavy-duty reinforcement to ensure the issue and its centerfold arrive safely.
Tracked: All orders include tracking for your peace of mind.
🏷️ TAGS (SEO) 🏷️
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1861 Lincoln Inauguration Winslow Homer Harper's Weekly March 16 Norfolk Navy Yard
$444.44