Infrared Scan of Lincoln Banner Shows New Information
Our Lincoln Banner had some obvious changes, but it wasn’t until we were able to use infrared photography that we gained new insights into the artifact. Infrared photography is used to peer under the top layer of paint on artworks to observe changes made to the canvas.
This artifact is currently on display in Common Ground: Our Voice, Our Stories.
Infrared photographs were taken of the Lincoln banner while it was in for conservation at the Midwest Art Conservation Center in Minnesota. The infrared images showed that this banner had been used for Lincoln’s 1860 campaign and parts of it repainted for his 1864 campaign. Below are the images showing what was painted on the bottom layer of the painting.
First campaign running mate “Hamlin” written under “Johnson”.
“Protection to White Mens Labor” written under “Down with the Traitors & Up with the Stars”
“Slavery shuts up our workshops” under and adjacent to the flag on the left
“No more slave states” painted over adjacent to the flag on the right and “Painted by Wetherby” painted over by the White House
“Slavery Degrades Labor” written under “Maul for the Rebel crew”
“Clinton and Mitchell” painted out under the “AND”. Notice the child’s scribbled ABCs, which were painted over.
