Beschreibung:

Lot of 4, featuring this rare albumen photograph, which is one of two known versions that was taken by D.A. Anderson & G.G. Johnson in August 1869 during Lee's third annual trip to visit the "healing" waters of White Sulphur in West Virginia, 6.25 x 4.5 in., mounted, 12 x 10 in. The better known Confederate personalities in the portrait include Generals Beauregard, Magruder, and Wise. Union Generals Geary and Wallace were also present for the impromtu reunion. The Face of Robert E. Lee by Roy Meredith conveys the author's insightful commentary on the White Sulphur photographs as they mark Lee's gradual decline. The author explains that while the majority of the men remained remarkably still while the two plates were made, Lee dropped his hat; he shifted in his chair in a way that suggests discomfort, even pain (Meredith, 1947: 84-85). The image is accompanied by a letter written by the photographers, Anderson & Johnston, and addressed to Gen. Robert Lilley, who is pictured in the photo, explaining the following: Four o'clock P.M. at the head of Baltimore Row, Cottage #9 is the time and place appointed for Photographing the group. The photographers go on to list the individuals that are expected to be included in the portrait, starting with Gen. R.E. Lee., and they close the letter requesting If convenient please be punctual Wednesday Morning, Aug. 11 '69. The lot also includes a silver gelatin copy of the photograph, 5.75 x 3.75 in., mounted, 9 x 7 in., and a newspaper clipping, dated 1935, that discusses the famous portrait, announcing that after several years of research, each of the notable figures in the photograph have been properly identified. Provenance: Acquired from the Paxton Family Estate, Dallas, TX Condition: Even toning to albumen photograph; vertical crease through center of photo and mount supported with strip of tape on verso; noticeable wear to mount.