Autographs
Rare General George Armstrong Custer Original Carte de Visite Photograph by Mathew Brady
(GEORGE ARMSTRONG CUSTER).
This original Civil War Period Carte de Visite of General George Armstrong Custer measures about 2.5" x 3.75", Fine. Custer is dressed in the battle attire, in which he led his cavalry troops and sports a flowing mustache. In life, he was a dashing figure in his blue uniform, red tie and yellow hair. Brady’s backstamp gives both his Washington, D.C. and his New York address. Minor loss of photographic paper in upper left corner which is slightly chipped, affecting nothing. The card is lightly toned, clean and image having nice contrast and clarity to the image. The handsome central portrait image showing Custer in his Union military uniform, seated facing left, with still vibrant red coloring on his kerchief. The reverse has a thin at top from prior mounting. The backstamp reads, “Brady’s National Photographic Portrait Galleries, No. 352 Pennsylvania Av. Washington, D.C. Broadway & Tenth St., New York”.
Mathew B. Brady was one of the most celebrated 19th century American photographers, best known for his portraits of celebrities and his documentation of the American Civil War. He is credited with being the father of Photojournalism. "My greatest aim has been to advance the art of photography and to make it what I think I have, a great and truthful medium of history." - Mathew B. Brady.