Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

May Vernacular Photo History Auction

Wed, May 6, 2026 11:00AM EDT
  2026-05-06 11:00:00 2026-05-06 11:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : May Vernacular Photo History Auction https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/may-vernacular-photo-history-auction-22757
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 353

Boudoir Photograph with Cyanotype, Old Bell, Santa Fe New Mexico

Estimate: $200 - $300
Starting Bid
$100

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$100 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,500
Boudoir card mount featuring a 3.5 x 4.5 inch cyanotype photograph depicting a historic mission bell, identified in period ink below the image as “Old Bell of the San Miguel Church, Santa Fe, N. Mex.” Additional inscription on the verso reads “Bell cast in 1356.” No photographer’s imprint is visible.

The cyanotype shows a large cast bell suspended from a wooden support frame constructed of heavy beams and sawhorse-style braces. A printed sign affixed to the beam above reads “NOTICE Admission 25 Cts.” The bell itself bears an inscription along the lower rim, partially legible in the image. The wall behind shows age cracks and tonal variation, suggesting an interior display setting, likely within the mission or a related exhibition space.

The mount is a standard boudoir format with rounded corners and a warm-toned card stock. The handwritten caption is centered beneath the image in flowing script, clearly identifying the subject and location. The cyanotype process produces the characteristic blue tonal range, contrasting with the neutral mount.

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