Original albumen cabinet card of Wilde, 4.25 x 6.5, by Sarony of New York. Sarony's stamp and 1882 date printed in the lower border. A crease to left side and pencil note to reverse, general wear, and toning. Presents well with an attractive and sharp image of Wilde. Another photo from the same sitting became the subject of a Supreme Court case, Burrow-Giles Lithographic Co. v. Sarony, in which the Court upheld the extension of copyright protection to photographs. Wilde posed for no fewer than 27 pictures for Sarony including being dressed in a fur-lined overcoat; an evening dress; and most significantly, a velvet jacket with ribbon piping, knee breeches, silk stockings and gleaming pumps. Sarony would later sue New York department store Ehrich Bros. for the unauthorized use of one of his portraits of Wilde in an advertisement.
RR Auction COA.
