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 111

Cabinet Card, African American Boy with White Child, MO

Estimate: $200 - $400
Starting Bid
$55

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
Albumen photograph in cabinet card format depicting two children posed together in a studio setting, dating to the late 19th century. The mount bears the printed imprint of G. C. Parkison, Photographer, Washington, Missouri, with an ornate illustrated reverse featuring floral and butterfly motifs. The pairing of children of different races in a formal studio portrait suggests a relationship of care or household association rather than a conventional sibling image. The older African American boy stands in three-quarter view, supporting a younger white child seated against his side. He wears a striped shirt beneath a worn jacket and trousers, his expression direct and composed. The younger child is dressed in a light-colored garment and holds a small object, possibly a toy or rattle, while resting securely against the older boy. The figures are positioned on a studio prop resembling grass or hay, with a decorative pedestal and potted plant rising behind them against a softly painted backdrop. The reverse of the mount is elaborately printed with a central card design reading G. C. Parkison, Photographer, Washington, Mo., accompanied by the phrase “Negatives retained for future orders.” The design incorporates blossoms and a large butterfly, with faint pencil notations including “No. 3” and “300” visible along the upper margin.

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