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Original 19th-century William Notman cabinet photograph depicting the Yale College African American group traditionally identified in historical photographic records as the “College Sweeps.”
The image depicts six African American men posed in a studio group and is associated with William Notman\'s Yale College photography of 1872.
Photograph measures approximately 4\" × 5½\". Mounted card measures approximately 4¼\" × 6⅛\".
The lower portion of the card appears somewhat shorter than the standard size commonly encountered for cabinet photographs of this period, and the photograph and/or mount may have been trimmed at the bottom at some point in its history. We cannot determine this with certainty, so please review the photographs closely.
The reverse has an elaborate printed William Notman studio backmark featuring a royal crest and the wording:
“W. NOTMAN”
“PHOTOGRAPHER TO HER at Toronto and Halifax”
The backmark also illustrates Notman\'s international exhibition medals and honors, including London 1862, Paris 1867, and the 1876 Centennial / Gold Medal, surrounded by an ornate Victorian decorative border.
The reverse design is particularly useful for dating this physical mount, as it incorporates the 1876 Centennial award. Accordingly, while the photographic image is associated with Notman\'s 1872 Yale series, this particular mounted example appears to date from circa 1876 or later.
Condition shows expected age-related toning, scattered spotting/foxing and surface wear. There is a small punched hole near the upper-left corner of the mount. Edge and corner wear are present. Possible trimming as noted above. The ornate photographer\'s backmark remains well preserved and readily legible.
Original antique photograph — not a modern reproduction.
Please examine all photographs carefully as they are part of the condition description. 30-day returns accepted.
