Description:

Ralph Waldo Emerson
n.p., n.d. but ca. 1860s
Ralph Waldo Emerson Boldly Signed CDV
Signed CDV
A J.W. Black carte de visite showing American writer Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) seated by a table, boldly signed by the subject as "R.W. Emerson" in a diagonal traversing the studio backstamp verso. N.d., but ca. 1860s. N.p. The sepia-colored albumen photograph is mounted on a cream stock card with a backstamp verso reading: "J.W. Black / 163 & 173 Wash. St. Boston and / So. Turo St. Opp / Naval Academy / Newport R.I." A cancelled 2-cent blue George Washington revenue stamp (possibly stamped "Sept. '64") is located in the upper right corner verso. Expected wear including gentle toning and superficial scuffs. A pencil inscription verso is entirely reversible. Else near fine. The card measures 2.375" x 4" overall.

Ralph Waldo Emerson became a literary celebrity following the publication of two essay collections in 1841 and 1844. In addition to writing essays, Emerson also wrote poetry and frequently gave speaking engagements. Emerson was one of the leading thinkers of the Transcendentalist movement in the United States, a philosophy which celebrated humanism, individualism, and nature.

James Wallace "J.W." Black (1825-1896) was a Boston-based photographer who took several photographs of Ralph Waldo Emerson in the 1860s in addition to this one, including a full-length standing portrait and a close-up bust in 3/4 profile. Black photographed other celebrities that passed through Boston as well, like Walt Whitman, John Brown, and Civil War generals. Black photographed famous buildings and monuments around the city, from street view as well as from hot air balloon in 1860. Black also documented the city's destruction following the disastrous Great Boston Fire of 1872.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 2.375" x 4"
  • Medium: Signed CDV

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August 7, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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