Brown John

John Brown Last Photo, with Signature, Possibly Printed

An oval sepia-colored salt print photograph of American abolitionist John Brown (1800-1859), with his inscription and signature (possibly printed) "Your Friend / John Brown" on a paper slip attached to the bottom of the mat. Blind-embossed with photographer's stamp at lower right, "Lawrence's / Photography / 381 / Broadway / or White St. / New York". Brown's handwriting and signature are light but still visible. Overall light toning and isolated foxing, else near fine. Minor mounting traces verso. 7.75" x 9.75".

This was the last photograph taken of Brown before his death seven months later, and the only known photograph of the antislavery activist with a beard. The 3/4 length portrait shows a grave and unsmiling Brown stuffing his hands in his pockets. The original daguerreotype was probably taken by John B. Heywood of Boston, while Brown was fundraising there in May 1859. New York City photographer Martin M. Lawrence made salt print copies of the Heywood daguerreotype, now lost. Lawrence's portraits of Brown were extremely popular in the mid-nineteenth century, and examples can be found in the Library of Congress.

In mid-October 1859, John Brown led an abortive raid of the federal arsenal at Harper's Ferry, Virginia. Brown was charged with murder, treason, and inciting slave insurrection, and was hanged at Charles Town, West Virginia on December 2, 1859.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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