Lincoln and the Contrabands

This postcard image is from an oil on canvas painting that was painted in the early 1900’s by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris (1863-1930). The original painting measures 24″ x 35″. The postcard is one of 78 historical scenes painted by Ferris who sold the reproduction rights in order to support himself. In addition to reprints, his collection of paintings also inspired many postcards, with Lincoln and the Contrabands the most reproduced. The definition of “Contrabands” reads:  “a Negro Slave who, during the War between the States obtained refuge inside the Union lines.” – U.S. History