[WESTERN AMERICANA]. A group of 10 stereoviews documenting the Darien Expedition. New York: E. & H.T. Anthony, ca 1870-1871.

6 x 3 5/8 in. stereoviews on cardstock mounts (toning, few prints have faded; edge and corner wear to mounts, light soiling, few with vertical crease through center of mount). Rectos with series title "Darien Expedition. Commodore Selfridge, Commanding," publisher's imprint, and title in lower margin. A scarce group of images, either taken by John Moran or Timothy O'Sullivan, ca 1870-1871.

Titles include: 6. Cathedral, Panama. -- 7. Church San Filipi, Panama. -- 10. Main Gate, Cartagena. -- 12. Church of San Juan, Cartagena. -- 18. Chipagana. From the Hills. -- 25. Pinogana, Tuyra River. -- 35. India Rubber Tree. -- 54. View in Tropical Forest. -- 57. View in Tropical Forest. -- 58. View in Tropical Forest.

Long a dream to shorten the passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the US-sponsored Darien Expedition was to search for a canal route connecting the Caribbean with the Pacific. The expedition was beset with problems almost from the beginning, and O'Sullivan was apparently hampered by poor weather conditions and dense tropical vegetation. At least 200 stereoscopic negatives were apparently exposed, along with an unknown number of larger plates. These views were primarily created for Government use and apparently never were widely distributed.

Property of a New York Lady

To request further details about this lot, please email [email protected]

Please contact the Auction Specialist for details.

Katie Horstman

VP, Head of Department, American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography

Ms. Horstman has spent over a decade specializing in historic photography and Americana at auction. During her tenure, she has overseen several notable single owner auctions, including property from the inventory of celebrated Americana and antique arms expert Norm Flayderman. During her time with the firm, she has maintained an active membership in the Daguerreian Society. Ms. Horstman holds an MA in Art History from the University of Cincinnati and a BA in Art History from The Ohio State University.

American Historical Ephemera & Photography

[WESTERN AMERICANA]. A group of 10 stereoviews documenting the Darien Expedition. New York: E. & H.T. Anthony, ca 1870-1871.

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup