Discovering Lincoln: Beardless & Iconic Images Revealed!

Could you envision Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth President of the United States, without his iconic beard? The beardless depictions of Lincoln, though fewer in number, offer a fascinating glimpse into a period before his facial hair became synonymous with his image.

Facial hair has indelibly marked his public image, adorning millions of pennies and etched into the memories of countless visitors to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Yet, there exists a lesser-known chapter in Lincoln's visual history a time when he was clean-shaven. This era, primarily before his presidential election in November 1860, reveals a different side to the man, prompting us to reconsider how we perceive one of America's most revered figures. As he stepped into the public arena in 1860, his beardless appearance sparked considerable commentary and even jokes. It's a reminder that Lincoln's image, like any historical figure, evolved over time and was subject to the shifting social norms and expectations of the era.

Before Lincoln's iconic beard became a fixture, he was known for his clean-shaven face. In the 1800s, maintaining a smooth face was not always easy, and many frontiersmen opted to let their beards grow freely. However, Lincoln's choice to remain beardless during his early career and rise to prominence speaks to a conscious decision about his public image. Several portraits and photographs from the 1850s and early 1860s capture this beardless visage, offering a stark contrast to the familiar bearded president. These images provide valuable insight into the visual transformation that Lincoln underwent and the impact it had on how he was perceived.

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One prominent example of a beardless Lincoln is featured in a photograph believed to be taken around 1858 by Roderick M. Cole of Peoria, Illinois. This photograph captures a young, clean-shaven Lincoln, a stark reminder of his appearance before the beard. Similarly, a life mask created during his first presidential campaign reproduces Lincoln's beardless face, further solidifying this image in the historical record. Even a tintype of Abraham Lincoln wearing a white suit and without a beard fetched a significant sum of $18,750 at auction, demonstrating the enduring fascination with this less common depiction of the president.

The story of how Abraham Lincoln came to grow his beard is a well-known and charming anecdote. In October 1860, a young girl named Grace Greenwood Billings (ne Bedell) wrote to Lincoln, then a presidential nominee, suggesting that he grow a beard to improve his appearance. Bedell believed that a beard would make him look more distinguished and appeal to female voters. On October 15, 1860, just weeks before the election, she penned her now-famous letter from Westfield, New York, urging him to consider her suggestion. Lincoln responded on October 19, 1860, making no promises but acknowledging her advice. He later met with Bedell during his inaugural journey in February 1861.

Lincoln's reply, dated October 19, provides a glimpse into his thought process. While he didn't commit to growing a beard immediately, he didn't dismiss the idea outright. He weighed the potential benefits against his existing image and the expectations of the public. Ultimately, about a month later, Lincoln allowed his beard to grow, marking a significant shift in his appearance and public persona. His decision to heed the advice of a young girl speaks to his humility and willingness to adapt to changing circumstances.

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The decision to grow a beard was not solely based on aesthetics. In the context of the 1860s, a beard could signify maturity, statesmanship, and gravitas, qualities that Lincoln sought to project as he led the nation through the tumultuous years of the Civil War. The beard became a symbol of strength and resolve, contributing to the image of Lincoln as a wise and steadfast leader. Unlike Ulysses S. Grants complete beard, which marked him as the primary president to sport a full beard while in office, Lincolns chinstrap style became uniquely associated with him. Grants beard, initially wild, was later trimmed at his wifes urging, offering a more refined but still commanding look.

Beyond photographs and historical accounts, artistic representations also capture the beardless Lincoln. One notable example is the "Chicago Lincoln," a statue in Lincoln Square, Chicago, depicting a standing, beardless Abraham Lincoln. Designed by Lloyd Ostendorf for a city contest and modeled by sculptor Avard Fairbanks, the statue was erected on October 16, 1956. This monument portrays Lincoln as he appeared in the late 1850s, before his rise to national prominence and the adoption of his iconic beard. Another statue of Abraham Lincoln at Lytle Park offers one of the few beardless depictions of Lincoln; however, George Grey Barnard's 1917 statue was met with criticism, even from Lincoln's own son.

Another instance is a statue by American artist Gaetano Cecere, installed along Lincoln Memorial Drive in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This 10'6 bronze sculpture portrays a young, beardless Abraham Lincoln, looking down with both hands at his sides. These statues serve as reminders that Lincoln's image was not always defined by his beard and that his legacy extends beyond his facial hair.

The beardless images of Abraham Lincoln also offer insight into the art of portraiture and photography in the 19th century. Mathew Brady, a renowned photographer of the era, captured many iconic images of Lincoln, both beardless and bearded. Hesler, born in Montreal, is best known for photographing definitive images of the beardless Abraham Lincoln in 1858 and 1860. An 1860 portrait of Abraham Lincoln, believed to be by John C. Wolfe, depicts the young presidential nominee without his signature beard. Published on December 12, 1937, on the front page of the Evening Tribune in San Diego, a striking photograph of a beardless Abraham Lincoln also surfaced, stirring historical interest.

These portraits and photographs not only document Lincoln's physical appearance but also reflect the artistic styles and technological advancements of the time. They provide valuable resources for historians and art enthusiasts seeking to understand the visual culture of the 19th century and its influence on how historical figures were perceived. The life mask, specifically, reproduces Lincolns beardless face as it appeared during his first presidential campaign, offering an intimate glimpse into his features and expressions.

The evolution of Abraham Lincoln's image, from a clean-shaven lawyer and politician to the bearded president etched in the collective memory, is a testament to the power of visual representation and its impact on historical perception. The beardless depictions of Lincoln remind us that even the most iconic figures have a history that extends beyond their most recognizable features. They invite us to look closer, to question our assumptions, and to appreciate the complexities of history and the enduring legacy of Abraham Lincoln.

On October 18, 1860, the Hon., a confirmed Lincoln supporter, worried that others might need convincing. In Westfield, the event occurred, with Lincoln later responding on October 19, offering no promises initially but allowing his beard to grow a month later. This transformation underscored the evolving narrative of Lincoln's public image.

Regarded as one of America's greatest leaders, many American artists celebrated Abraham Lincoln during his lifetime and in the years following his death with numerous portraits. Lincoln also has a connection to the postal service, further highlighting his significance in American history. His signed photo, marked "yours truly, A. Lincoln," features an oval portrait photo of a beardless Lincoln, generally credited to Roderick M. Cole of Peoria, Illinois, around 1858. Additionally, the hand gripping a broomstick in a photograph is a prop Lincoln improvised, following a suggestion to hold something cylindrical resembling a document.

As jokes about Lincolns appearance abounded when he came into public view in 1860, it's essential to remember that Lincoln's choice to grow a beard was more than just a cosmetic decision; it was a strategic move that aligned with the expectations of the time and contributed to his image as a strong and capable leader. While Lincoln's beard is now an indelible part of his image, it didn't appear until after he won the presidential election in November 1860. The beardless images, however, continue to intrigue and remind us of the man before the beard, a man who would go on to shape the course of American history.