Lot of 26 cased images including 9 ambrotypes, 16 daguerreotypes and 1 paper photograph. Collection features portraits of multiple generations from two prosperous New York families, the Van Vechtens and the Fays, and is notable for the accompanying documentation identifying nearly every sitter. Photographs range in size from ninth plate to half plate with the majority being sixth plate. Most images are housed in full leather or pressed paper cases (often separated at spine) while one image is housed in a Scarce union case "Mother Embracing Child 2" [Berg 1-99]. All photographs descended directly through the family of the consignor. William Cornelius Van Vechten (1803-1883) married Eliza Ann Canfield (1803-1882) in 1826 and together they had three children: Caroline Van Vechten (1828-1914), Jane Maria Van Vechten (1830-1906), and William Page Van Vechten (1832-1899). Jane Van Vechten married Edwin Reed Fay (1829-1930) in 1855 uniting the Van Vechten and Fay families, and establishing the line of descent through which these images have come to the consignor. The young couple's handsome engagement photographs are part of the collection, as are a pair of sixth plate ambrotypes featuring the young mother Jane with her infant son Fred Hollister Fay. Later in life, Fred would marry Flora Ward (1859-1926), the daughter of Elizabeth Perkins Ward and Michigan timber baron David Ward (1822-1900) whose daguerreotypes are included in the collection. The oldest image in the collection is likely a daguerreotype featuring Maria Groesbeck Van Vechten (1774-1871), mother of William Cornelius Van Vechten. A striking quarter plate daguerreotype features Edwin Reed Fay and his older brother James William Fay posed seated alongside one another in a studio setting. Edwin Reed Fay would make his mark as a prominent businessman and banker in Auburn, NY, and is buried there in Fort Hill Cemetery (also the final resting place of abolitionist Harriet Tubman). A half plate ambrotype of a much older James Fay is included with the collection. Other portraits include two sets of paired daguerreotypes of James Reed (1810-1901) and his wife Charlotte Canfield Reed (1818-1895), aunt and uncle to Edwin Reed Fay, and two sixth plate daguerreotypes of Joanna Reed Fay (1802-1894), mother of Edwin Reed Fay. A wonderful collection of early photography made more exceptional by provenance and extensive identifications. Condition: Half plate ambrotype in poor condition and is no longer under mat or preserver. Otherwise conditions vary but generally photographs are in good condition. Condition of cases vary as well with many separated at spine, having non-functioning closures, and/or extensive wear to case. Please see images for detail.
Lot of 26 cased images including 9 ambrotypes, 16 daguerreotypes and 1 paper photograph. Collection features portraits of multiple generations from two prosperous New York families, the Van Vechtens and the Fays, and is notable for the accompanying documentation identifying nearly every sitter. Photographs range in size from ninth plate to half plate with the majority being sixth plate. Most images are housed in full leather or pressed paper cases (often separated at spine) while one image is housed in a Scarce union case "Mother Embracing Child 2" [Berg 1-99]. All photographs descended directly through the family of the consignor. William Cornelius Van Vechten (1803-1883) married Eliza Ann Canfield (1803-1882) in 1826 and together they had three children: Caroline Van Vechten (1828-1914), Jane Maria Van Vechten (1830-1906), and William Page Van Vechten (1832-1899). Jane Van Vechten married Edwin Reed Fay (1829-1930) in 1855 uniting the Van Vechten and Fay families, and establishing the line of descent through which these images have come to the consignor. The young couple's handsome engagement photographs are part of the collection, as are a pair of sixth plate ambrotypes featuring the young mother Jane with her infant son Fred Hollister Fay. Later in life, Fred would marry Flora Ward (1859-1926), the daughter of Elizabeth Perkins Ward and Michigan timber baron David Ward (1822-1900) whose daguerreotypes are included in the collection. The oldest image in the collection is likely a daguerreotype featuring Maria Groesbeck Van Vechten (1774-1871), mother of William Cornelius Van Vechten. A striking quarter plate daguerreotype features Edwin Reed Fay and his older brother James William Fay posed seated alongside one another in a studio setting. Edwin Reed Fay would make his mark as a prominent businessman and banker in Auburn, NY, and is buried there in Fort Hill Cemetery (also the final resting place of abolitionist Harriet Tubman). A half plate ambrotype of a much older James Fay is included with the collection. Other portraits include two sets of paired daguerreotypes of James Reed (1810-1901) and his wife Charlotte Canfield Reed (1818-1895), aunt and uncle to Edwin Reed Fay, and two sixth plate daguerreotypes of Joanna Reed Fay (1802-1894), mother of Edwin Reed Fay. A wonderful collection of early photography made more exceptional by provenance and extensive identifications. Condition: Half plate ambrotype in poor condition and is no longer under mat or preserver. Otherwise conditions vary but generally photographs are in good condition. Condition of cases vary as well with many separated at spine, having non-functioning closures, and/or extensive wear to case. Please see images for detail.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
