ABRAHAM LINCOLN [Original Wood Engraving Signed by the Artist]

New York: Fritz Eichenberg, 1943. The first of 2 wood engravings of Abraham Lincoln that was created by Fritz Eichenberg. Signed in pencil by the artist for "Howie & Bobbie." I think this image is superior to the later one--it certainly is more scarce. In a 1968 letter from Lincolniana collector Frank J. Williams, Eichenberg is quoted: "I did my first Lincoln, the three quarters profile, in the middle of the second World War, to remind my friends of the great heart of Lincoln, who, in his Gettysburg address, exhorted his country to be magnanimous and bind up the wounds of a war of brother against brother.... Lincoln represents the best America has ever produced, a man of, for, and by the people in the truest sense--great and humble, with a sense of humor and deep compassion.... If you look closely, you will notice that I engraved two little crosses reflected in his sad eyes--he knew suffering.". SIGNED. First Edition. Single Sheet. Fine. Illus. by Fritz Eichenberg. Fine Art Print.