L. Prang and Co. were a Boston based publishing and lithograph business established in 1860. Prang created many lithographs of scenes and people of the Civil War era. In addition to producing large lithographs, Prang also created numerous small portrait lithographs the size of cartes de visite. Cheaper than their photo counterparts, these CDV sized lithographs were also collected and kept inside albums.
Up for auction is a CDV sized lithograph of John Wilkes Booth. It was produced after the assassination of Lincoln in response to high demand of images of the assassin. It contains an illustration of Booth based on a real photograph and the words "J. Wilkes Booth / L. Prang & Co. Boston / The Assassin." The back is unmarked.
The CDV measures approximately 4" x 2.5". There is a horizontal fold across the CDV above the words "The Assassin." Evidence of more minor folds can be seen. There is also a small tear about 0.5" long underneath the illustration. Both the front and back of the CDV has spotting and discoloration. Please see the images below.
While not a photograph nor in perfect condition, this is still a period image of John Wilkes Booth made right after the assassination of Lincoln.
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