44

William Shew

1820-1903

Self-portrait with group of Chinese men and children. Circa 1882.

Albumen print
With Shew's printed credit and San Francisco address on mount recto.
The image 7 1/8 x 8 7/8 in. (18.1 x 22.5 cm.), the sheet 7 3/8 x 9 1/2 in. (18.7 x 24.1 cm.), the gilt-ruled mount 8 3/8 x 10 3/8 in. (21.3 x 26.4 cm.)

  • Provenance:
    A Country Called California: The Collection of Stephen White
  • Literature:
    Stephen White, foreword by Lynell George, A Country Called California, Photographs 1850s to 1960s (Angel City Press, 2022), p. 135
  • Notes:
    Shew worked with the abolitionist movement in Boston, and then became involved in social issues in San Francisco. This striking image of Shew sitting with a group of Chinese men and two children is notable for having been created at a time of rising anti-Chinese sentiment. The Chinese Exclusion Act was signed into law by President Chester in 1882, eliminating Chinese citizenship to residents, banning the immigration of laborers for 10 years, and requiring certificates for reentry. The act would later become extended and made permanent.
  • Condition: For condition reports, email Deborah Rogal at [email protected]

    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.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

February 12, 2026 12:00 PM EST
New York, NY, US

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $100,000:
27.00%
$100,001 - $1,000,000:
22.00%
$1,000,001+:
12.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000