Lincoln, Indian Hill, circa 1980

Sam Doyle (1906-1985) opened his “Out Door Art Gallery” in his yard on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, in the late 1960s. His paintings depicted people from within his Gullah community, as well as important political and social figures ranging from Ray Charles to President Abraham Lincoln. Doyle spoke in interviews about Lincoln, and specifically cited interactions between the President and free African Americans at Indian Hill, St. Helena. While historical documents suggest Lincoln indeed issued instructions for for an official proclamation to be read at Indian Hill, there is no evidence Lincoln delivered the speech himself. Nevertheless, the myth of the President’s visit remained incredibly powerful to Doyle. The artist’s reverence for Lincoln is clear in this rendering. Depicted here orating to an enraptured audience, he towers over onlookers, self-possessed and gesturing with an inclusive stance.