A rare and unusual carte de visite (CDV) photograph depicts a minstrel parodying the Emancipation Proclamation, ca. 1865. The subject is seated in a staged studio setting, adorned with patriotic motifs, including a sash reading “We Welcome You Home” and a prop labeled “Emancipation Proclamation.” The photograph was taken by E. R. Curtiss of Klauber’s Block, Madison, Wisconsin, as indicated by the backmark. This CDV captures a controversial and complex aspect of Civil War-era history, reflecting contemporary attitudes and the use of minsterls in entertainment and political commentary. The inclusion of a 2-cent U.S. Revenue stamp on the reverse situates this image firmly within the Civil War tax period.