Alban Jasper Conant (1821-1915): Painter of the First Abraham Lincoln Portrait & Noted Archaeologist
Alban Jasper Conant (September 24, 1821 – February 3, 1915) stands as a singular figure in American art history—primarily recognized for his groundbreaking portrait of Abraham Lincoln, the first official likeness of the future president. However, to reduce Conant’s artistic legacy solely to this iconic image overlooks a rich and multifaceted career spanning decades of exploration into Missouri's landscape and culture, alongside significant contributions to archaeological scholarship. Born in Chelsea, Vermont, he embodied the spirit of Victorian America—a fascination with scientific inquiry coupled with an unwavering dedication to preserving historical memory.
Early Life and Education
Alban Jasper Conant’s formative years were shaped by a rural upbringing under Caleb and Sally Barnes Conant, where his father practiced sign painting and house decoration. This early exposure instilled in him a meticulous attention to detail—a characteristic that would permeate his artistic endeavors throughout his life. He pursued higher education at Gouverneur Wesleyan Seminary in 1844 and subsequently earned a degree from Madison University in Hamilton, New York, honing his intellectual curiosity alongside developing foundational artistic skills. His marriage to Sarah Mahala Howes in 1845 established a home base for his burgeoning family and fueled his ambition to cultivate an appreciation for the natural world—a passion that would profoundly influence his later explorations of Missouri’s geological formations and indigenous peoples.
Missouri Roots and Artistic Development
Moving to St. Louis, Missouri, in 1857 represented a pivotal moment in Conant's artistic trajectory. Recognizing the burgeoning potential of the region as an art center, he established the Western Academy of Art alongside Irving Ramsay Wiles and George C. Eichbaum—a collaborative venture that fostered innovation and nurtured emerging talent. This association solidified his commitment to promoting artistic excellence and engaging with contemporary social concerns. Conant’s involvement extended beyond mere patronage; he served on the selection committee for paintings, drawings, and sculpture destined for the St. Louis Agricultural and Mechanical Association in 1860, demonstrating a discerning eye for aesthetic quality and historical significance. He graduated from Madison University in Hamilton, New York, and then studied art in New York City under Henry Inman in 1844. In 1857, Conant moved to St. Louis and was active in its local arts scene. Conant was one of the founders of the Western Academy of Art and served as secretary of the organization. He also was part of the selection committee for paintings, drawings and sculpture for the St. Louis Agricultural and Mechanical Association in 1860.
The Lincoln Portrait: A Moment of Artistic Vision
Perhaps Conant’s most enduring achievement resides in his depiction of Abraham Lincoln—a portrait that transcends mere likeness to capture the essence of Lincoln's character. Commissioned by William McPherson, a St. Louis railroad executive, Conant undertook this ambitious project during Lincoln’s presidential candidacy campaign. Traveling to Springfield, Illinois, he meticulously studied Lincoln’s demeanor and sought to convey his inner serenity—expressed in what is famously known as “The Smiling Lincoln.” Completed between 1860 and 1862, the portrait stands as a testament to Conant's artistic skill and his ability to distill complex psychological states into visual form. It cemented his reputation as one of America’s foremost portraitists and secured his place in history as the artist who immortalized Lincoln’s visage before he ascended to the presidency. He liked Lincoln’s smiling expression and sought to capture it in a portrait. In 1861 to 1862, Conant traveled to Washington, D.C., where he completed portraits of Lincoln’s cabinet members, including Attorney General Edward Bates and Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. Throughout his life, Conant painted many portraits of prominent Americans such as Henry Ward Beecher, Dr. James McCosh and Major Robert Anderson.
Beyond Portraiture: Archaeological Pursuits
In addition to his artistic career, Conant had a profound interest in the sciences—particularly archaeology. He was a member of the Board of Curators of the University of Missouri in Columbia from 1868 to 1875—a role that underscored his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering scholarly discourse. Recognizing the importance of documenting Missouri’s geological history, Conant spearheaded the founding of the School of Mines and Metallurgy in Rolla, Missouri, in 1870—establishing a vital institution for training future engineers and geologists. He served as supervisor for the school for three years. Furthermore, Conant's prolific writings—including *The Archaeology of Missouri*, *Foot-Prints of Vanished Races in the Mississippi Valley,* and *My Acquaintance with Abraham Lincoln*—demonstrated his commitment to disseminating knowledge about Missouri’s past and its indigenous inhabitants. His lectures on Missouri archaeology captivated audiences and solidified his reputation as a pioneering scholar who championed the preservation of cultural heritage. Conant moved to New York in 1885 and had a studio there in the 10th Street Studio Building, where he lived until his death. He married twice. Before his first wife Sarah Mahala Howes' death, the couple had at least eight children, yet only three lived to adulthood. He remarried to a young bride, the couple had a son, Alban Jasper Conant, Jr., and she died at age 29 after a four-year marriage. After his wife’s death, he lived in Illinois before returning to New York and keeping a studio until his passing. No portraits of his wives or children are available.
