Mary Todd Lincoln CDV by Mathew Brady - Incredibly Rare!

Title:
Mary Todd Lincoln Original CDV by Mathew Brady – Published by E. & H.T. Anthony, 1862

Description:
Presented here is an original carte de visite (CDV) photograph of Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of President Abraham Lincoln and First Lady of the United States from 1861 to 1865. The sepia-toned image captures Mrs. Lincoln seated in formal attire, adorned with flowers, jewelry, and a decorative headpiece, looking slightly to her left. The CDV features crisp period detailing and is framed with a double-line gold border typical of the era.

The reverse bears the publisher’s imprint:
"Published by E. & H.T. Anthony, 501 Broadway, New York / From photographic negative in Brady's National Portrait Gallery."
This confirms the image was taken by famed Civil War photographer Mathew B. Brady, who operated one of the most prolific photographic studios of the 19th century.

A printed copyright notice along the bottom front reads:
"Entered according to Act of Congress A.D. 1862 by M.B. Brady in the Clerk's office of the District Court of the U.S. for the So. District of New York."

Historical Context:
Mary Todd Lincoln (1818–1882) was one of the most controversial and scrutinized First Ladies in American history. As the wife of President Abraham Lincoln, she occupied the White House during the Civil War, facing personal tragedy, intense public criticism, and political hostility. She was also the first First Lady to be extensively photographed, thanks in part to the rise of studio portraiture and the work of photographers like Mathew Brady.

Brady’s National Portrait Gallery project aimed to document the key figures of the Civil War era through photographic portraiture. Images of Mary Lincoln taken in his studio became widely distributed, helping to shape her public image and legacy.

Photography Details:

• Format: Carte de Visite (CDV)

• Photographer: Mathew Brady (Brady’s National Portrait Gallery)

• Publisher: E. & H.T. Anthony, 501 Broadway, New York

• Date: Circa 1862 (copyright line present)

• Dimensions: Approx. 2.5" x 4"

• Condition: Moderate toning and foxing consistent with age; slight trimming on bottom, some soft corner wear; strong image clarity.

Closing Appeal:CDVs of Mary Todd Lincoln taken by Mathew Brady are notably scarce and highly sought-after, as relatively few original negatives of the First Lady were produced and distributed compared to those of her husband and prominent Civil War figures. While Brady photographed numerous political and military leaders, portraits of women—especially First Ladies—were less commonly featured in his National Portrait Gallery series. Moreover, many surviving Mary Lincoln CDVs were reprints or later reproductions, making authentic period examples published by E. & H.T. Anthony from Brady’s original negatives, like this one, particularly rare. Their limited production, combined with Mary Lincoln’s complex historical legacy and limited photographic sessions, makes these CDVs prized by collectors of Civil War and presidential memorabilia.