Lot 1187
(Confederate) Lee, Robert E (1807-1870) Commanding general of Confederate forces. Carte-de-Visite Photograph Signed "R E Lee" at lower right in black ink. The head-and-shoulders portrait of Lee in uniform was taken in 1864 by Richmond photographer J.W. Davies whose imprint is on the verso; the lower front edge of the mount is imprinted "The 'Lee' Gallery' / Richmond." Unevenly trimmed at top edge, not affecting the image. Although the photograph seems not to have existed in a larger original negative, it was a favorite with the General and Mrs. Lee. In this picture, Lee had begun to trim his beard shorter than had been his wont earlier in the war. He had worn a full beard for only three years; the fact that he gradually began to wear it in closer style is a detail that helps to establish the probable sequence of undated photographs. Throughout the rest of his life, his beard will be seen much as it appears in this photo. This image is shown on page 47 of Roy Meredith's The Face of Robert E. Lee, printed in 1947.
Estimated Value $6,000 - 8,000.
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| Realized $4,600 |
