42

(CRIME & PUNISHMENT) A collection of more than 250 crime images, including mugshots, crime scenes, and early portraits of officers.

(CRIME & PUNISHMENT)
A collection of more than 250 crime images, including mugshots, crime scenes, and early portraits of officers.
The collection features photographs from the full history of crime photography. Includes about 40 carte-de-visite mugshots or portraits of accused, many with descriptions of the figure and their crime; 5 tintypes; about 45 double mugshots, half of which are mounted, all with descriptions in a variety of formats; 4 cabinet card portraits of officers, including an image of Alphonse Bertillon, the "inventor" of the technique of describing individuals using photographs, measurements, and specific physical characteristics, plus 5 smaller cartes-de-visite and tintypes; 15 stereoviews of prisons including incarcerated women, interiors, yards, the hallways, some of which feature Sing Sing; 9 real photo postcards, 3 documenting arrested individuals, one dummy gun, a portrait, prisoners, dramatizing an arrest, and a card documenting a prisoner who was released after years (plus one snapshot of prisoners); 14 photographs of "staged" crime; 18 photographs of miscellaneous press images; 22 photographs or reproductions with thick hand-painting and editorial markings; 82 additional press photographs including 2 related to the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. Tintypes and albumen and silver prints, the images measuring 8x10 inches (20.3x25.4 cm.), and smaller, and the reverse, some mounted, many with notations, in pencil and ink, or stamps, on recto and verso. 1880s-1940s

Provenance: The Estate of Richard T. Rosenthal, Philadelphia

For additional images please follow the link below:
http://www.swanngalleries.com/ms/Sale2627/lot42

  • Condition: This vast collection of crime imagery exhibits a range of condition, all indicative of and consistent with the print's use and age.

    The early imagery generally shows strong print tones and detailed print quality, the handling imperfections not distracting or diminishing the impact of the work. The later press prints largely show scattered handling marks, creases, and impressions, again consistent with other press imagery. Some of these with editorial marks or ink transfer visible within the image area.

    The two St. Valentine's Day Massacre image evidence loss, creases, and soiling. The images are very slightly faded, and ink from verso has bled through and is visible within the image. While the noticeable loss doesn't take away from details of the image content, it is substantial, as is visible in our catalogue illustration.

    Overall a compelling group with strong and varied content.


    Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

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February 23, 2023 12:00 PM EST
New York, NY, US

Swann Auction Galleries

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