This lithograph of President Abraham Lincoln was created by Currier & Ives Lithography Company circa 1860-1861. In late 1860, Abraham Lincoln began growing a beard, and was the first United States president to do so. After his first election, he reportedly received a letter from an eleven-year-old fan, Grace Bedell, who suggested that growing facial hair might improve his appearance. In his reply to this letter, President Lincoln wrote, “As to the whiskers, having never worn any, do you not think people would call it a piece of silly affectation if I were to begin wearing them now? Your very sincere well-wisher," A. LINCOLN."” By 1861, Lincoln’s beard appeared in portraits, paintings, and photographs, and would remain a style that he maintained for the remainder of his life. Lincoln became president on March 4, 1861 and had earlier served in the House of Representatives.

This engraving by John Chester Buttre is of President James Buchanan. This image was influenced from a daguerreotype by Mathew Brady. Buttre completed the engraving in the mid-19th century. Before being elected as the fifteenth president of the United States, Buchanan served as a member of the United States House of Representatives and Senate for the state of Pennsylvania, secretary of state, and the United States minister to Russia and Great Britain.