Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

June 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction

Wed, Jun 24, 2026 11:00AM EDT
  2026-06-24 11:00:00 2026-06-24 11:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : June 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/june-2026-vernacular-photo-history-auction-23574
Our June 2026 auction presents a focused and exceptional selection of historical photographs spanning the 1840s through the early twentieth century, with unusual depth in named subjects, rare formats, and documented provenance anchored by strong vernacular material that rewards close looking.
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 470

Cabinet Card, James and John Healey, Acrobats in Costume

Estimate: $100 - $200
Current Bid
$50

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$100 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $5,000
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
James and John Healey, identified by ink inscription on the reverse, are portrayed in full performance costume in this cabinet card by R. A. Geoffroy, Arctic Centre Art Studio, opposite French Church, Rhode Island, dating to the 1880s or 1890s. The die-cut scalloped border mount and elaborate painted interior backdrop distinguish this as a premium studio production, and the subjects' costumes and physiques identify them as acrobatic or variety performers.

The man at left stands with one hand on his hip wearing a short-sleeved athletic top, embroidered trunks, tights, and white lace-up boots, his expression confident and direct. The man at right is costumed as a clown or pantomime character in a ruffled white suit with a close-fitting white cap, his face made up in white with an open-mouthed comic expression, holding a small bowl and gesturing with one finger raised. A pointed clown hat lies on the floor between them. The painted backdrop depicts an elaborate Victorian interior with a tiled fireplace, decorative mantel, grandfather clock, and patterned carpet.

The reverse bears the decorative printed imprint of R. A. Geoffroy, Arctic Centre Art Studio, opposite French Church, Rhode Island, with multiple ink inscriptions including "James and John Healey," "Sons H. Judge and Caroline Healey," a note reading "Please return to Mrs. Alice Davies," additional handwritten text along the right margin, and penciled notations reading "per121" and "200."

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