On the day of his now famous speech at the Cooper Union in New York City on February 27, 1860, Abraham Lincoln visited the studio of photographer Mathew Brady. Well-respected in the field, Brady was tasked with making Lincoln, whose appearance was under constant scrutiny by his opponents, look presidential. Brady achieved his objective by emphasizing Lincoln’s height and using props such as a pillar, a symbol of strength, and books, the holders of knowledge. The photograph was widely circulated during the 1860 presidential campaign and was believed to have influenced many to vote for the lawyer from Illinois, leading Lincoln to proclaim, “Brady and the Cooper Union Institute made me president.”

Daguerrian Miniature Gallery

Grace Church

Originally from upstate New York, Matthew Brady came to the city in search of opportunities. He quickly learned the daguerretoype process and set up a portrait studio. &nbsp;The process took hours depending on the lighting (and there were even vises invented to help people maintain their poses). &nbsp;Unlike traditional portraits which could be flattering to the sitters, photographs couldn't do that. &nbsp;He was noted for his ability to make his sitters comfortable and relaxed. &nbsp;He was also very good at self promotion, and became the first celebrity photographer as he photographed many of the political and artistic figures of the day. &nbsp;During the Civil War, he organized a group of photographers to document the war which was the first time the carnage of battle was brought home to the people. &nbsp;

Probably one of the most famous of Morse's many daguerreotype students, Brady has called him the “first successful introducer of this rare art in America”.