Artwork

Presidents Buchanan and Lincoln Entering the Senate Chamber before the Inauguration

Presidents Buchanan and Lincoln Entering the Senate Chamber before the Inauguration is a print by the Impressionist artist Winslow Homer. It dates from 1861 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This 1861 print by Winslow Homer captures a pivotal moment in American history as Presidents James Buchanan and Abraham Lincoln enter the Senate Chamber on Lincoln’s inauguration day.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts the brief transfer of power between the 15th and 16th U.S. presidents. Buchanan, holding hat and gloves, and Lincoln, with clasped hands, exchange greetings amidst a somber, observant crowd, highlighting the gravity of the occasion.

Technique & Style

Executed as a quick sketch, the piece features rough lines and simplified details, characteristic of Homer’s illustrative background. Its realism emphasizes the authenticity of the moment over ornate embellishments.

History & Provenance

Created in 1861 by the largely self-taught artist Winslow Homer, transitioning from illustration to more refined mediums. The print is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection.