(Clemens, Samuel L.)

Photographic portrait of Samuel L. Clemens, ca. 1863

Oval salt print 5 x 7 inches, inscribed on verso in an unidentified hand “1863. ‘Mark Twain’ given to Dan de Quille at Virginia City”. , Very light dampstaining, paper flaw at bottom center of portrait. Matted, framed, and glazed.

Early, striking portrait of Samuel Clemens during his newspaper career in the West. By the time this photograph was taken, the salt-print technique had been entirely superseded on the East Coast and was used only in remoter locations in the West. Dan de Quille was a friend of Sam Clemens and editor of Virginia City, Nevada, Territorial Enterprise where Clemens honed his satirical skills

Item #57943       Price: $12,500.00