Frame on Portrait of Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865), 1865 by
Matthew Henry Wilson (American, 1814–1892)
Wood, gesso, compo, gold leaf
Bequest of Mrs. William S. Speed 1968.40.3

How much will it cost? $3,000

ADOPT NOW!


President Lincoln is housed in a gilded, carved-wood, period-appropriate frame. Upon close inspection, however, you’ll be able to spot areas of abrasion, scratches, flaking, dents, gouges, and losses, along with a healthy coating of dust and grime. Yuck! This frame would improve immeasurably with cleaning and treatment. A full surface cleaning will reveal the areas of loss that need to be remedied. There is a rather large loss along the proper left side, and scattered areas of loss and wear within the gilding. The conservator will cast a new leaf tip to replace a missing element, then carefully add small fills to the areas of loss, and finally, tone them out using gold leaf and pigment to improve the appearance of the frame. When finished, the frame will be worthy of our 16th President.