The artwork “Abraham Lincoln,” created by William H. Johnson in 1945, represents the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement and is categorized within the portrait genre. The painting features a depiction of Abraham Lincoln, rendered in a simplified, almost child-like manner typical of Naïve Art. The central figure of Lincoln is surrounded by various symbolic elements, including American flags, crosses, a building, and a depiction of hanged figures, which likely allude to significant aspects of his presidency and the Civil War period.
In this artwork, Abraham Lincoln is portrayed with exaggerated, simplified features, emphasizing a sense of straightforwardness and sincerity. He is depicted wearing his notable black coat and yellow vest, holding what appears to be a document, possibly representing the Emancipation Proclamation. The figures around him and the background elements are rendered with flat colors and lack of detailed perspective, consistent with the Primitivism style’s rejection of traditional artistic techniques in favor of a more raw, direct approach. This stylistic choice underscores the emotional impact and historical significance of Lincoln’s legacy.
