James Fennemore (American, 19th century. "Grand Canon of the Colorado River, Looking West", Mammoth plate positive photographic transparency, c.1870s. This period enlargement from the glass negative depicts a Western facing vista of the American Grand Canyon with sheer cliffs on either side of the Colorado River which runs through the center of the view, and a single figure wearing a wide brimmed hat sitting on the foremost right cliffside. Inscribed within image lower left "Grand Canon of the Colorado River, Looking West". Overall approximately 38 1/8" x 38 1/8", image approximately 30 1/4" x 24".
Note: This photograph was likely taken during John W. Powell's expedition down the Colorado River in 1871 or into the Grand Canyon in 1872. Although shot by Fennmore, this photograph was displayed by John Karl Hiller as part of a body of work submitted by the Bureau of Ethnology and the Geological Survey to the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876. This photograph was created from the original smaller glass negative that was carried along the journey to the Grand Canyon. These original, oversized transparencies are exceedingly rare due to the age and delicate nature of the medium. Provenance: Acquired into the collection of Booker T. Washington likely at the Cotton States and International Exposition in 1895 in Atlanta, Georgia. Note on provenance: Copy of letter from Booker T. Washington's granddaughter, Robin Washington Banks, confirming provenance is available upon request. Letter states her inheritance of the estate and its ultimate sale to the consignor of this lot.

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