Alexander Hamilton Stephens
Medium
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution
Accession Number
NPG.84.105
Tags
About this artwork
Born near Crawfordville, Georgia
Art Historical Context
This evocative 1882 print by Frederich Graetz a German-American illustrator known for his work in satirical magazines like *Puck*, captures Alexander Hamilton Stephens the Confederate Vice President during the Civil War. Titled *Alexander Hamilton Stephens*, the portrait depicts the Georgia native—born near Crawfordville—in his later years, seated in a wheelchair with a blanket draped over his lap, pince glasses perched on his nose, and a in hand. Graetz precise line work and attention to personal details humanize a polarizing figure, blending portraiture with subtle caricature typical of 19th...