Lincoln 1861 - 1865: A Print Series by Tomás Lasansky

On view in the Booth Lobby Gallery of the Harnett Museum of Art is Lincoln 1861 – 1865: A Print Series by Tomás Lasansky, October 3, 2010, to June 26, 2011. Starting in 2006, Lasansky created a series of prints featuring Abraham Lincoln’s profile as well as interpretations of other famous depictions of the president at different stages of his life and career. The large image of Lincoln resembles the famous portrait of the president taken by American photographer Mathew Brady in 1864. The photograph was later used by American sculptor Victor David Brenner as the model for the profile he designed for the obverse side of the penny, first minted with Lincoln’s image in 1909.

For his Lincoln prints, Lasansky employed four copper sheets featuring Lincoln’s profile in each piece, using different colors, orders, and backgrounds with hand additions of painting and drawing. With these manipulations, the artist explored the conventions of portraiture and iconic imagery, as well as the role that color and texture play in providing intensity and sentiment.

This exhibition was organized by the University of Richmond Museums and curated by Richard Waller, Executive Director, University Museums, in collaboration with the artist.  The accompanying book, Tomás Lasansky: Icons and Muses, published by 4 Peaks Press, is available for purchase at the University Museums.