N.C. WYETH, "PORTRAIT OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN," 1945

charcoal on paper, 23 1/4" x 29 3/4"

Located: Carl Sandburg State Historic Site, 313 E. Third St., Galesburg, Ill.

Other works: Five panels in National Geographic Society Building in Washington, D. C.; a triptych for the National Cathedral in Washington; two Civil War Lunettes in the Missouri State Capitol, Jefferson City, Mo.

Because of its artistic, historic and literary value, this is the only drawing included in this documentation of murals and sculptures in Knox County. N.C. Wyeth, known the world over as an illustrator, was also a muralist. Three of Wyeth's children became artists, including Andrew Nelson Wyeth. He is also the grandfather of Jamie Wyeth.

Used as an illustration for Carl Sandburg's "What Would Lincoln Do Today" in the February, 1948 issue of "Woman's Day" magazine, the drawing depicts a clean-shaven Lincoln from his Illinois years. His expression is serious, maybe even troubled, eyes downcast, eyebrows slightly furrowed and lips sealed. Clouds gather behind him in a gray, charcoal sky. His head is placed below the center of the composition. A formal portrait, it captures, in charcoal, Lincoln's pensive, enigmatic face and mood.

The drawing was a gift from Mrs. N. C. Wyeth to the Carl Sandburg Historic Site Association as requested by Adda (Mrs. John E.) George founder of the Association.

Also on the grounds of the Carl Sandburg State Historic Site are a painting by Werner Buser of Lombard College and a "Quotation Walk," The walk consists of 20 stepping stones in a circle with short quotes from Sandburg's poetry and prose. "Remembrance Rock" sits in the center of the circle. Sandburg's ashes (and his wife's) are buried beneath it, according to his wishes.