American soldier, explorer, and geologist (1834–1902). After serving as a major in the Union Army and sustaining a severe injury to his arm at Shiloh, Powell led a number of expeditions to the American west, including the first organized passage through the Grand Canyon. He later headed the U.S. Geological Survey and the Bureau of Ethnology at the Smithsonian Institution. Commanding oversized 10.5 x 13.5 cabinet photo on its original 12 x 15.75 mount, which is in turn affixed to an attractive recent archival mount measuring 15.25 x 19.75, signed in ink below the image, “Yours cordially, J. W. Powell.” Previously sold at Christie’s in 1994. Faint scattered spotting to background, otherwise fine, bright, fresh condition. Most impressive for display! Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
