The painting is displayed at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. Carpenter was deeply moved by Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, issued on January 1, 1863, calling it "an act unparalleled for moral grandeur in the history of mankind.

By the influence of Samuel Sinclair of the New York Tribune and Representative Schuyler Colfax of Indiana, Carpenter gained Lincoln's assent to travel to Washington and work with him on the painting.

Carpenter met with the President on February 6, 1864, who allowed him to live in the White House for four months, to work on the painting.

Carpenter was given free access to Lincoln's White House office for the former purpose, and the State Dining Room was given him for a studio.

The ... chief officers of the government were thus brought in accordance with their relations to the administration, nearest the person of the President, who, with the manuscript proclamation in his hand, which he had just read, was represented leaning forward, listening to, and intently considering the views presented by the Secretary of State.

[13][14] Carpenter campaigned for Congress to purchase the painting, enlisting the help of fellow Homer native William O. Stoddard, Lincoln's private secretary.

[7] Media related to First Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation of President Lincoln by Francis Bicknell Carpenter at Wikimedia Commons