Davis Jefferson

Jefferson and Varina Davis Signed Cabinet Card, Scarce

Cabinet card featuring Jefferson (standing) and Varina Davis (seated at a table), credited to W. Notman, Montreal, Canada. Mount bears signatures of Jefferson and Varina Davis, "Jefferson Davis", "Varina Davis" along with additional inscribed name, "Mrs. W.H. Prideau." 4.25" x 6.5". Verso bears several pencil inscriptions. Some surface soiling and overall wear to image and mount (including two small abrasions to/near right edge of image), with somewhat faded photographer's imprints. Image does appear somewhat toned. Verso bears spotting and a spot of adhesive residue to center.

After the Civil War, Davis was imprisoned for treason for two years. After his release, he and his family went to Canada, with this portrait of the couple taken during the trip in 1869 after Davis was released from his imprisonment at Fort Monroe. William Notman, a celebrated Scottish-Canadian photographer, was famously commissioned to document the construction of the Victoria Bridge across the St. Lawrence River, the results of which allegedly caused Queen Victoria to name him "Photographer to the Queen," a designation printed on the mount of the cabinet card featured here.

Photographs of Davis are rare to very rare, with his signed cabinet cards being the most coveted. This one a lovely example and quite desirable.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.