Tremendous 7 x 11.5 imperial bust portrait of William Tecumseh Sherman in a suit and bow tie, originally taken by Falk Studios of New York, signed in the lower portion of the image in black ink, "W. T. Sherman, General 1887." Framed and in fine condition, with minor ink adhesion issues, and scattered tiny foxing to the lower half of the image.



As the owner of Falk Studios, Benjamin 'Jake' Falk was the most reputable theatrical portraitist working in New York at the turn of the 20th century. The photographer used artificial light sources to create portraits considered to be the most dramatic images available. At the time Sherman signed this portrait, the former general had only been retired from army life for three years, was living in New York City, and was undoubtedly familiar with Falk and his work. It is likely that this image was signed during one of Sherman's many visits to the New York theater scene, or via his role as a colorful speaker at one of the numerous dinners and banquets to which he had been invited.