2013 Finalist National Medal for Museum and Library Service

Collection Highlights

Slave shackles
ca. 1866
1921.20
Steel

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Luce Center

Campaign kerchief

Campaign kerchief
Title
Campaign kerchief
Object name 
Kerchief
Date 
1864
Related People 
Depicted: Abraham Lincoln
Medium 
Cotton
Dimensions 
Overall: 21 3/4 x 26 in. ( 55.2 x 66 cm )
Description 
Cotton copper-engraved campaign kerchief with center portrait of Abraham Lincoln in a laurel leaf garland with a shield; starred background; oak-leaf border with American bald eagle armorials; circular cartouches in the coners with clasped hands and American flags above; sepia, black. and red ink on a white ground.
Credit Line 
Gift of George A. Zabriskie
Object Number 
1944.146
Marks 
printed: below portrait: "PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN"
Gallery Label 
This kerchief was likely printed in 1864 to celebrate Abraham Lincoln's re-election as President. The central image of Lincoln is after the well-known photographic portrait by Mathew Brady. In each of the four corners, clasped hands and waving flags symbolize Lincoln's promise of a unified nation.