Relics of the American West: 1850-1920
Lot 2131:
Description
This hand-enhanced solar enlargement features a Union soldier identified via a verso inscription as a member of the “Iron Brigade.” The artwork utilizes the “crayon portrait” technique, where a photographic base is heavily overpainted with charcoal and gouache to emphasize the infantry horn on the kepi and the brass buttons of the frock coat. The soldier is depicted with a studio-prop saber, a hallmark of mid-19th-century military photography. The piece is housed in a period-style cove-molded wooden frame with a gilt slip and deep plum matting. The frame exhibits minor edge wear and scuffing consistent with age; the portrait itself shows light foxing and typical surface maturation, though the hand-applied highlights remain crisp. H 11.75″, W 10.75″, D 1″ Please see photos for condition.
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