Freedom to the Slaves (Proclaimed January 1st 1863, by Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States)

Abstract

A freed slave is bending down and kissing Abraham Lincoln's hand. Lincoln's other hand is pointed toward the sky. A mother and her two children look on.There is some thought that Currier & Ives pirated this image from a similar print published by J. Waeschle, "Emancipation of the Slaves," also issued in 1865. The symbolism of Lincoln breaking the chains of slavery with the Emancipation Proclamation is evident. When Lincoln entered Richmond, many former slaves struck poses similar to the one depicted in the print. Lincoln told them to stand and thank God, not Lincoln, for their freedom