Mr. T.H. Bartlett, the eminent sculptor, who has for many years
collected portraits of Lincoln, and has made a scientific study of
Lincoln's physiognomy, contributes this:
The first interest of the early portrait to me is that it
shows Lincoln, even at that age, as a _new man_. It may to
many suggest certain other heads, but a short study of it
establishes its distinctive originality in every respect.
It's priceless, every way, and copies of it ought to be in the
gladsome possession of every lover of Lincoln. Handsome is
not enough--it's great--not only of a great man, but the first
picture representing the only new physiognomy of which we
have any correct knowledge contributed by the New World to the
ethnographic consideration of mankind.
Very sincerely,