Alban Jasper Conant (1821-1915): Painter of the First Abraham Lincoln Portrait & Noted Archaeologist Alban Jasper Conant (September 24, 1821 – February 3, 1915) stands as a singular figure in American art history—primarily recognized for his groundbreaking portrait of Abraham Lincoln, the first official likeness of the future president. However, to reduce Conant’s artistic legacy solely to this iconic image overlooks a rich and multif…