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Primary sourcePhotograph

President James Buchanan (colorized)

Mathew Benjamin Brady

A studio portrait photograph of Buchanan as president by Mathew Brady, shown here in a modern colorized version.

This is a studio photograph of Buchanan taken during his presidency, later digitally colorized.

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Colorized photograph of an elderly man with white hair seated in a dark wooden chair with a green upholstered seat. He wears a dark coat, white cravat, and dark trousers, with one hand resting on the chair arm. A table with books and a green-wrapped object stands at left against a blue-gray backdrop.
Mathew Brady, photograph of President James Buchanan. National Archives (digitally colorized by Centpacrr).

About this source

What it is

This is a photograph of James Buchanan taken from life by photographer Mathew Brady, held in a copy by the National Archives. The version shown here has been digitally restored and colorized by a modern colorist, Centpacrr, and is not the original black-and-white image.

Why it matters

Brady was one of the most important American photographers of the 19th century, known for documenting political leaders and the Civil War era. This portrait shows Buchanan as a formal elderly statesman, seated with books nearby, projecting dignity and authority as president.

Look closer

  • What effect does the colorization have on how you perceive this historical photograph?
  • What do the books and objects in the background suggest the photographer wanted to convey?
  • Why is it important to know that the color in this image was added later, not original?

This photograph is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of James Buchanan on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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Speech

Primary source

Fourth Annual Message to Congress

James Buchanan · 3 December 1860

Handwritten cover sheet of the court record for Dred Scott v. Sandford. Top reads 'Missouri C.C.U.S.' with a case number, then 'Dred Scott, Plaintiff in Error, v. John F. A. Sandford', 'Filed 30th December 1854', 'Dismissed for want of jurisdiction', and 'March 6th 1857'. Scorched and darkened edges, with a blue pencil mark at lower left.Document

Primary source

Dred Scott v. Sandford

Roger B. Taney · 6 March 1857

Two pages of the Oregon Treaty, handwritten in ink on paper, laid side by side. Each has a wax seal with a ribbon on the left page and a seal on the right. Signatures appear at the bottom: James Buchanan as Secretary of State, and James K. Polk as President.Document

Primary source

Oregon Treaty

15 June 1846

Title page of a book on a peach-colored background. Large text reads: MR. BUCHANAN'S ADMINISTRATION, with smaller text ON THE, then EVE OF THE REBELLION. Below: NEW YORK: D. APPLETON AND COMPANY, 443 & 445 BROADWAY, 1866.Book

Primary source

Mr. Buchanan's Administration on the Eve of the Rebellion

James Buchanan · 1866

Sepia photograph of a large crowd in front of the east portico of the US Capitol during the 1857 inauguration. Columns, a balcony with officials, and a statue are visible; people in top hats fill the foreground.Photograph

Primary source

Inauguration of James Buchanan photograph

John Wood · 4 March 1857

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