[Booth, John Wilkes] | One of the most reproduced portraits of the infamous Lincoln assassin, boldly signed

[Booth, John Wilkes]

Photograph portrait of John Wilkes Booth, signed ("J. Wilkes Booth")

Albumen print (165 x 222 mm), signed at lower margin of arched mat, notes to verso in pencil "From Hancock's Cafe, | 1234 Penna Ave., | Washington D.C."; minor wear and abrasions to image, some waterstaining to mat slightly affecting "J Wilkes," small tear to lower margin of mat not affecting signature. Matted, framed, and glazed with Plexiglas; not examined out of frame. 

One of the most reproduced portraits of the infamous Lincoln assassin, boldly signedThe photograph depicts Booth, three-quarter-length and seated with a walking stick. This signed portrait apparently hung in Hancock's Cafe, a restaurant in Washington D.C. established in 1840. Signed photographs of Booth are scarce, as as many were destroyed by an outraged public following Lincoln's death.

PROVENANCE:

Bonhams, 27 June 2006, Lot 3315