Carte de Visite Lithograph of John Brown, the Abolitionist Martyr

Carte de Visite Lithograph of John Brown, the Abolitionist Martyr
 
A striking and evocative lithographic carte de visite depicting John Brown (1800–1859), the radical abolitionist whose 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry Arsenal ignited national tensions and propelled the nation toward civil war. This bold portrait, derived from a contemporary painting or engraving, presents Brown with his iconic flowing beard, intense gaze, and resolute expression—capturing the fiery determination that made him a heroic figure to anti-slavery advocates and a villain to pro-slavery forces.
 
Produced as an unbacked lithograph on a thin card mount, this example lacks a publisher’s backmark, a common feature of mass-produced abolitionist propaganda pieces circulated during the early Civil War era to rally Northern support. The corners have been clipped, as was customary for insertion into period albums, with no loss to the image area.
 
The print retains strong contrast, clean surfaces, and excellent visual impact, making it a powerful relic of antebellum radicalism and one of the most recognizable icons of the abolitionist movement. Very fine condition for this fragile format. Highly desirable.