Alexander Gardner
1865, 22 July (publication)
Execution of the Lincoln Conspirators

Wood engraving
Cornell University Library
This woodcut is based upon an original photograph taken by Alexander Gardner on taken on July 7, 1865 and was published in Harper's Weekly. July 22, 1865.
 
Curational comment from "Dawn's Early Light: The First 50 Years of American Photography", October 20, 2011 - May 4, 2012, Hirshland Exhibition Gallery in Carl A. Kroch Library, Cornell University
 
Lewis Powell (aka Payne), David Herold, George Atzerodt, and Mary Sarratt were convicted for conspiring with John Wilkes Booth in the assassination of Lincoln and the attempted assassination of Secretary of State Seward. The four were hanged at the Old Arsenal Penitentiary on July 7, 1865. Alexander Gardner (1821-1882) was the only photographer permitted to document the execution, and his photographs were quickly reproduced as wood engravings in Harper's Weekly.
 
LL/44763