Original 2.5 x 3.75 carte-de-visite photo of Lee by Vannerson, with three stars visible on his collar, signed at the bottom of the image in black ink, “R. E. Lee.” Imprint on reverse reads, “Vannerson, Photographic Artist, No 77 Min St., Richmond, Va. Negatives retained for future copies.” In very good condition, with image slightly faded, but still fully visible, some light discoloration to edges of background, and some light creases and wrinkles, which do not detract from Lee’s bold signature. From the Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress: “The [Julian] Vannerson portrait of Robert E. Lee was made in March 1864. This date was determined by Brooks Johnson, Curator of Photographs at the Chrysler Museum of Art. He wrote an article about this portrait sitting in…the Chrysler Museum Journal, Vol. I, 1994.” Signed portraits of Lee, particularly from the time of the Civil War, are highly sought after and quite elusive. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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