Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

Winter Photographic History Auction 2026

Sat, Jan 31, 2026 01:00PM EST
  2026-01-31 13:00:00 2026-01-31 13:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : Winter Photographic History Auction 2026 https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/winter-photographic-history-auction-2026-21839
We are pleased to present our Winter Photography Auction, opening January 31 at 1:00 PM Eastern, featuring approximately 270 individual lots spanning the full breadth of 19th- and early 20th-century photography. The sale brings together landmark historical images, rare early photographic processes, and a deep selection of vernacular material created outside the conventions of formal studio portraiture. Collectively, these works offer a direct, unfiltered record of American life, identity, conflict, labor, and memory during photography’s formative century.
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 344

Albumen Composite of Actor’s Facial Expression Studies, c. 1890s

Estimate: $300 - $500
Starting Bid
$150

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
A group of albumen prints arranged as a twelve-image grid showing a young actor performing a sequence of expressions and gestures, including profile views, a raised-brow pose, and several character studies with a bowler hat and cigar. The format resembles late 19th-century studio sheets used for theatrical promotion, personality studies, or reference images for stage performers.

Composite grids of this scale were produced less often than single cabinet portraits, and surviving examples tend to show working wear from handling or display. The print is mounted to its original card with edge wear, creasing, and surface abrasions visible throughout, consistent with age and use.

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