Expert Opinions

I have been told that the biggest obstacle to authenticating this miniature as the earliest painting of Lincoln will not be technology, but finding someone that is an expert in both areas of art and history that is willing to research this and take a stand.

I've contacted about a dozen museums, but the typical response was "Thank you for your query, but there is no one who would be able to help you with identifying and authenticating the miniature painting in your possession. Or "we do not have anyone on staff that does appraisal". I would then be referred to another museum, where I would get a similar response.

I was told by one museum "In general, due to the current passion for litigation in our country, most connoisseurs are unwilling to take on the responsibility of making grand statements as to whether or not a work of art is "authentic" or not - at best, most are only willing to share their "opinion" with you.

Alex Rankin, a Lincoln Collection Archivist for Boston University was also very helpful. He advised "As far as the miniature painting you possess, you will always find debate. Since so many people tried to profit from the name Abe Lincoln, there were a large number of forged letters, reproduced paintings and other items pushed on unsuspecting buyers by less scrupulous people out for a quick dollar. This is why many "authority figures" are going to give you a hard time about the painting".

So who are these authority figures?

In trying to date this alone, I have been directed to two of the best known experts in the field of miniatures. One dated this early 1840’s, the other early 1850’s.

I then contacted an expert in the field of costume, and was told "I really feel that this is from the early1840's rather than the 1850's. The collar on the coat is very wide and the shoulders are very sloping is what leads me to believe this. If I were a betting person, I would go with earlier rather than later".

Robin Jaffe Frank of Yale University Art Gallery, who wrote a wonderful book on miniatures, responded "It does show some stylistic affinity to the electronic images of portraits by G.P.A. Healy that you sent me, although it is difficult to judge from such reproductions". Sarah Coffin, miniature expert (formerly of Sotheby's) concurred: "there is enough stylistic similarity between the two miniatures given to Healy (which also date to the 1840's) to make an attribution to him potentially possible."

Sotheby’s had "reviewed the information, and agree that there is a similarity to Lincoln. In light of the family connection one could suggest it might be of him".

In researching Mildred's ancestry, I contacted a person by the name of Henry Brackin Jr. who was extremely helpful and provided me with a great deal of information. Henry provided me with a great deal of genealogy information. He found my work "most interesting. I think you have drawn the proper conclusion relative to this portrait and have a lot of proven family connections to support them. Moreover the likeness in my opinion is indisputable".

Support for this project continues to grow, and two research colleagues have volunteered their efforts. Family, friends and community have been unwavering in their commitment. When the local newspaper found this a fascinating story and ran a short article entitled "It could be Abe - Honest", Gerald Caprio, President of the Historical Society, responded:

"What an exciting thing and a valuable tool offered to the historical community. We all wish you luck and I certainly feel you've proven it to be our 16th president already".

The chief curator of a nearby art museum wrote "Although I am not an expert, I found your ideas to be quite compelling and plausible". This has been echoed by dozens of others in similar positions.

I welcome and appreciate ALL input, and thank the scores of people who have left such positive feedback and well-wishes.

This web site contains all the information I know. I will not debate or defend anything, and respect all scientific evaluations. This information I present is accurate to the best of my knowledge. However, I will immediately correct or delete any incorrect information. I will be happy to respond to any questions that have not been addressed on this web site.