Seed Pearl Necklace and Bracelets

[davg2000]

(06-05-2019 10:45 PM)James Wrote:  But the full length photos (page 110 and 216) [in the Kunhardt book] that show Abe in what could only be described as awkward or unorthodox poses, in conjunction with the numerous photos showing his right hand curiously clenched in his lap leaves little room for doubt that he had some sort of ailment that affected his right side. This doesn't even take into account the presence of the piece of whittled broomstick in his right hand during a sitting for Leonard Volk.
Abe's hands have been repeatedly described by contemporaries as large, rough hewn, sinewy, etc. It simply strains credulity that his right hand was "swollen and nearly paralyzed" (page 24) as the result of shaking hands. It is much more plausible that this explanation was a convenient excuse by those who were hesitant to reveal Lincoln's frailties, just as FDR's frailties (not that being bound to a wheelchair due to polio is in the same category) was hidden from the public by those around him.
I'm not suggesting that Lincoln was crippled. I'm simply saying that the manner in which he is clutching the cane, while subtle, is consistent with the evidence in the photographic record that indicates an ailment affecting his right side.

James, I do think that Lincoln could present an awkward appearance, with his long legs and shambling gait. His hands were huge. I don’t have access to the Kunhardt book you are speaking of, but perhaps you are referring to the 1861 Gardner photograph of Lincoln seated at a table, his left arm resting on the table and his right hand resting on his right thigh. His right fingers are folded under. I don’t see any “infirmity” in that hand. I do think, though, that Lincoln was sensible enough to follow the suggestions of his photographers—that he not splay his long fingers on his right hand.

About the Leonard Volk casting, I think the story about Lincoln’s hand being swollen from handshaking, and shaking itself, is perfectly plausible. Here’s another reason, this one from the Metropolitan Museum, which owns the original casting: “the hand grips a broomstick, a prop that Lincoln improvised upon Volk’s suggestion that he hold something cylindrical resembling a document.” Have you ever touched or gripped the cast hands? It’s difficult for me to see this right hand casting as indicative of any sort of ailment that affected Lincoln's right side. In fact, just the opposite: the casting reveals power and strength.