(New York, 1854-1922) The Young Abraham Lincoln, signed lower left "Martin Rice", oil on canvas, 56 x 84-3/4 in.; original gilt wood and composition frame, lined with wax and linen, restretched on new stretcher, impression and abrasions center, some scattered retouch under uneven varnish layer affecting approximately 10% of surface, some possible overcleaning at top. Notes: Literature: SIRIS #120592 This Romantic view of Abe Lincoln exemplifies the spirit of the era. Here is the heroic figure: strong, pure and, as yet, unworried by the hardships of leading a country at war with itself. Rice has presented him in the pristine Illinois woods, a commentary on Lincoln's purity of heart and spirit. However, in keeping with the tropes of other Romantic painters, he wants us to know that while the natural world is grand and intimidating - it can be controlled. To this end, the handsome and athletic Lincoln rests after having successfully felled a tree from the great forest that surrounds him. Rice exhibited at the [Exposition Universelle], Paris, 1889, the Louisiana Purchase Expo, St. Louis World's Fair, 1904, and the World's Columbian Exposition, 1892-1893.. Provenance: Unity Club, Brooklyn, New York; Sotheby's Parke-Bernet, September 23, 1981, lot 4 (accompanied by copy of catalog); A New York Collection lined with wax and linen, restretched on new stretcher, impression and abrasions center, some scattered retouch under uneven varnish layer affecting approximately 10% of surface, some possible overcleaning at top