Printed portrait of Thaddeus Stevens with full head of curly hair and stern gaze. Mounted in old molded oak frame with handcut paper window mat.
Under bust is "THADDEUS STEVENS: "OLD COMMONER./ APRIL 4, 1792 - AUGUST 11, 1808/ Chairman Committee of Ways and Means of U.S. House of Representatives during the Civil War./ FEARLESS CHAMPION OF FREEDOM FOR THE OPPRESSED./ His unique service to the Common schools of Pennsylvania lay in retaining upon the Statue Book the Law of 1834 against the will and purpose of the majority of a Legislature elected and pledged to its repeal. In old age he spoke of this stern contest/ with much interest, and seemed to regard the memorable speech of April 11, 1835, in its results to the cause of General Education in the Commonwealth the best work of his life."
At the bottom left is "Engraved by Rea.", at center is "Lincoln Art Series: Copyright 1899, by J.P. McCaskey, Publisher, Lancaster, Pa." and at right is "Photograph by Eberman." Lower section of image has engraver's name "REA Sc."
McCaskey was a lifelong educator, principal & longtime writer of The Pennsylvania School Journal. Bio Annals notes he was a proponent of memory work in literature and he produced and displayed good portraits of notables in education (Thaddeus Stevens, Thomas Burrowes, etc.) appropriate mottoes, vocal and instrumental music, etc. In his later years, McCaskey published at lease 20 engraved images, called the "Lincoln Art Series," for display in homes and schools. He distributed many thousand copies to all parts of the country. Sometime during is long career as educator he was awarded and honorary M.A. degree and later a PhD. degree, both from Franklin and Marshall College (Bio Annals) (Written by Wendell Zercher)
Minor stains with liquid stains at very bottom (sitting in damp area), incipient breaks and creases run horizontally in several areas. Silverfish damage scattered mostly at bottom and around top & sides of image. one spot of damage under tie.
Frame is dark on face with some wear. Framing materials acidic and unprofessional.
