Barr, after “View of the Inauguration of Gov. James Pollock. In Front of the Capitol at Harrisburg, Penna. January 16th 1855"

After a Daguerreotype taken by Dr. Barr.  “View of the Inauguration of Gov. James Pollock. In Front of the Capitol at Harrisburg, Penna. January 16th 1855.” 

Philadelphia:  T. Sinclair, 1855.  13 x 23 7/8. Lithograph.  Faint mat line. Soiling along right quarter of image and tear in left edge just into the image. A/A

A very detailed lithographed view of the inauguration of James Pollock in January, 1855.  Pollock (1810-1890) served in Congress from Pennsylvania, then as a state judge, until he was nominated by the Whig and Know Nothing parties in the 1854 election for governor.  Pollock served until January 1858, refusing to run for reelection.  He later became director of the U.S. Mint and was responsible for the motto “In God We Trust” that appears on U.S. coins.  This lithograph is based on a daguerreotype of the inauguration, which gives it exactness and verisimilitude that is impressive.  The lithograph, by Thomas Sinclair, is equally impressive, allowing for excellent detail–such as the spectators lining the roof of a nearby building and the proud ceremonial troops lining the procession route.  A wonderful example of American printmaking and an interesting image of Pennsylvania history.