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 190

Gelatin Silver Print, Woman Photographer Comic Self-Portrait Scene

Estimate: $100 - $200
Starting 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
A woman poses as both photographer and subject in this gelatin silver print, a staged comic scene set within a painted portrait studio. The image is printed on larger-format paper, consistent with an 8 x 10 presentation print, and carries no photographer's imprint on the reverse. The setup lampoons the portrait photography experience, with one figure seated as the sitter and the same woman — or a look-alike — operating the camera at right, creating a humorous doubling effect achieved through a double-exposure or composite printing technique.

The seated figure wears a sleeveless satin costume with ribbon trim and dark stockings, legs crossed and extended casually, smiling broadly toward the camera. The standing figure at right operates a view camera on a wooden tripod, one foot propped on a stool, dressed in a dark short-skirted costume with white lace collar and white lace-trimmed bloomers, white heeled boots visible below. A painted backdrop depicting an ornate interior with draped curtains and decorative panels fills the background, and a fringed rug covers the studio floor.

The reverse bears a penciled price notation of "$125" in the upper left corner and the numeral "50" in the lower right.

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