CDV photo of U.S. President Andrew Johnson @1870s

Nice photo of a sitting Andrew Johnson. Photo mounted on card. From the studio of one of Paris' leading photographers.

Written in red pen at top of photo “Johnson”.

Printed on card at bottom photographer nameL

‘CH. REUTLINGER PHOT.      Déposé  Garanti d’après nature’

On back, business logo (medals won in 1866 and 1867, emblem of chivalric Order of the Garter)  and information on the photographer

4 ⅛" x 2 ½"

Andrew Johnson (1808 – 1875) was the 17th President of the United States, serving from 1865 to 1869. Johnson became president as he was vice president at the time of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. A Democrat who ran with Lincoln on the National Union ticket, Johnson came to office as the Civil War concluded. The new president favored quick restoration of the seceded states to the Union. His plans did not give protection to the former slaves, and he came into conflict with the Republican-dominated Congress, culminating in his impeachment by the House of Representatives. He was acquitted in the Senate by one vote.

Returning to Tennessee after his presidency, Johnson sought political vindication, and gained it in his eyes when he was elected to the Senate again in 1875, making Johnson the only former president to serve in the Senate. He died just months into his term. While some admire Johnson's strict constitutionalism, his strong opposition to federally guaranteed rights for African Americans is widely criticized. He is regarded by many historians as one of the worst presidents in American history.

WIKIPEDIA

Charles Reutlinger, the founder of one of the most prominent Parisian photographic establishments, Reutlinger Studios, which operated from 1850 to 1937. The Reutlingers were a French family of German descent. The family photographic business was founded in Paris by Charles Reutlinger, and the studio became famous for its portraits of the actors, artists, musicians, composers, opera singers and ballet dancers of the period. In 1880, Charles handed over the studio to his brother, Emile Reutlinger. 

www.npg.org.uk