Note: Use the slider above to compare the black & white original to the colorized photograph.

Abraham Lincoln as a presidential candidate. Head-and-shoulders portrait, facing slightly right.

Photo shows Lincoln in a print made from a negative taken by Alexander Hesler in Springfield, Illinois on June 3, 1860. Lincoln stated, “That looks better and expresses me better than any I have ever seen; if it pleases the people I am satisfied.”

Library of Congress image.