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Unidentified photographer
Lexington, KY
1855 (ca)
Salt print
5 3/16 x 7 1/4 in. (13.2 x 18.4 cm)
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH)
Donated by Alex Novak in honor of Anne Tucker
LL/77320
Description (Alex Novak)
Perhaps the earliest known image of Lexington, KY. Important and unique print. Stark image shows empty muddy streets on this moody early city image.
Buildings sport canvas awnings and considerable signage (Morrison's Clothing Store; Auction & Commn. Store; New Drug Store; J.F. Thompson Furs & Goods, Hats & Caps; Geo. C. Bain Hat & Cap Store; Brown & McElainny Gentlemen's Furnishing & Clothing Store; Edwin Lilly China & Glass-ware; Tobacco & Cigar Store; Cheap -- --).
The print was exhibited at the Las Vegas Photographica Show in 1998. Provenance: Janos Novomeszky; From the Col. John R. Johnston album. Johnston was a colorist and painter for the Jessie Whitehurst studios in the late 1850s. He also was a performer and singer in the 1850s. It is possible that he also practiced photography himself as an amateur and an aid to his portrait and landscape work. The family originally lived in Cincinnati, not far from Lexington, and then moved to Baltimore around 1855-56. The album was put together during the mid to late 1850s.
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