In an astounding revelation, the only known daguerreotype of George Boyer Vashon, New York’s first African American attorney, was recently sold by Sotheby’s for $230,400. The 1859 portrait, recognized as the george b vashon daguerreotype, captures Vashon, a prominent scholar and abolitionist, in a moment of history. Astonishingly, this same image had been sold just a year earlier by Christie’s for a mere $882, listed vaguely as a photograph of “a well-dressed man with spectacles.”
Much like Vashon’s enduring impact, Hew Locke confronts historical legacies with striking visual art at the P·P·O·W Gallery.
The portrait, then underestimated, was part of the Maillet Daguerreotype Collection. It was not until Emily Bierman, a specialist at Sotheby’s, identified Vashon in this rare depiction that its true value was recognized. The figure captured in the daguerreotype was crucial not only to legal history but also to the American civil rights movement.
The Discovery of Historical Significance
Bierman’s breakthrough came with the discovery of the photographer’s signature, “P. Haas, NY,” attributed to Philip Haas. Haas, a notable lithographer and daguerreotypist, had photographed several prominent political figures of his time, including President John Quincy Adams.
Bierman discovered an inscription inside the case revealed that the portrait was cherished by one of Vashon’s students in 1856. This discovery illuminated the portrait’s personal significance and authenticated its historical context. No other known portrait of Vashon exists, making this an exceptionally rare piece of American history.
The story of Vashon’s journey echoes through history, much like Sophie Calle’s exploration of absence which captivates with its depth and narrative.
Vashon’s contributions were pioneering. Born in 1824, he was the first Black graduate of Oberlin College and broke racial barriers as the first licensed African American attorney in New York in 1848. His legal career culminated with admissions to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1867. In 2010, his legacy was honored when he was posthumously admitted to the Pennsylvania bar.
This exceptional antique portrait now stands as a beacon of his enduring impact and a testament to the fight for racial equality in America. The historical daguerreotype truly represents the power of historical photography in capturing pivotal moments and figures in history.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the significance of the George B. Vashon daguerreotype?
The 1859 daguerreotype of George Boyer Vashon is significant as it is the only known portrait of New York’s first African American attorney. It captures Vashon, a prominent scholar and abolitionist, contributing to American legal history and the civil rights movement.
How much did the George B. Vashon daguerreotype sell for at Sotheby’s?
The daguerreotype of George B. Vashon sold for $230,400 at Sotheby’s.
Who identified George B. Vashon in the daguerreotype?
Emily Bierman, a specialist at Sotheby’s, identified George B. Vashon in the daguerreotype.
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