Beschreibung:

Lot of 4 CDV portraits of African American male subjects, credited to Santa Cruz, California photographers ca 1866-1875. In 1870, the census listed 53 African Americans living in Santa Cruz county. CDV showing three young men. E.P. Butler: Santa Cruz, California, n.d. ca 1867. Presumably brothers, they stand together in an interior space. The older two wear white shirts, jackets, and tailored pants, while the youngest sports a matching ensemble of a shirt and baggy, gathered pants with intricate embroidery. Credited on verso to Edward P. Butler, active throughout California in the second half of the nineteenth century, including a stint in Santa Cruz, ca 1867-1877. The youth pictured here could very well be the children of Robert C. Francis or George A. Chester, who became the first African American children to attend school in Santa Cruz when they enrolled in 1869. The 1870 census lists Robert and Mary Francis as the parents of Charles, Joseph, and George, ages 18, 10, and 8 respectively. George and Mary Chester had three children as well- Andrew Martha, and Georgiana, ages 12, 10, and 8, respectively. Second Butler CDV presents a portrait of a distinguished man with facial hair. E.P. Butler: Santa Cruz, California, n.d. ca 1873. Verso bears a different Santa Cruz imprint, suggesting a later date. After working in California, Butler moved on to Nevada, where he operated two studios, the first with G. Waterhouse, Nevada City, 1883 and the second as an independent venture in Reno, 1886. CDV of a seated man facing left, with a goatee and pocket watch chain. John E.D. Baldwin, Photographic Gallery: Santa Cruz, California, n.d., ca 1875. Backmark of John E.D. Baldwin, active in California 1874-1888. Baldwin operated his first studio out of Santa Cruz through 1880, before relocating first to Stockton, then to Sacramento. Vignetted CDV portrait of a goateed man wearing a small pin on his vest. Burnett's Art Gallery: Santa Cruz, California, n.d., ca 1866. Verso credit to Burnett's Art Gallery, active in Santa Cruz beginning in 1862. Condition: CDVs with toning and surface soil. Some with more apparent areas of foxing, with chipping/edgewear to Baldwin carte and Butler group portrait.