Albumen carte de visite portrait depicting abolitionist John Brown, shown in three-quarter standing view with distinctive full white beard and hair, wearing a dark coat and waistcoat. Beneath the portrait is a printed facsimile inscription reading “Your Friend, John Brown” followed by the patriotic caption “His Soul Is Marching On.” The image is based on one of the well-known likenesses taken from life prior to Brown’s execution and later enlarged and issued as a commemorative portrait during the Civil War period. Brown’s intense expression and dignified stance reflect the manner in which he was memorialized by supporters following his death.

John Brown (1800–1859) was a militant abolitionist who led the raid on the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry in October 1859 in an attempt to incite a slave uprising. He was captured, tried for treason against the Commonwealth of Virginia, and executed later that year. His actions and subsequent execution intensified sectional tensions in the years immediately preceding the American Civil War.

Printed text at the bottom of the mount reads “Enlarged and painted by J.W. Dodge, from the original picture taken from life. Published by the Artist, 113 Broadway, N.Y.” and includes a copyright statement entered according to act of Congress in the year 1865. The reverse of the card is blank aside from later pencil notations. A striking Civil War era memorial portrait of one of the most controversial and influential figures of the abolitionist movement.