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Good antique condition. The albumen print exhibits some overall fading and minor surface wear typical for its age. The card mount shows slight edge/corner wear. The reverse features a highly decorative gold-printed Eisenmann studio backstamp that remains clearly legible, along with a penciled archival notation ("485/-. 13"). Please review all photos for exact condition.
Item Specifics:
Type: Photograph
Format: Carte de Visite (CDV)
Subject: Sideshow / Dime Museum Performer, "Major Atom"
Year of Production: ca. 1880s
Photographer: Charles Eisenmann (229 Bowery, New York)
Original/Reprint: Original Print
Theme: Circus, Sideshow, Human Oddities, Americana
Provenance: Ex-John Diesso Collection; Potter & Potter sales
Item Description:
Original 19th-Century Sideshow CDV: "Major Atom" by Charles Eisenmann
Premium Provenance: Ex-John Diesso Collection
A superb original Carte de Visite (CDV) featuring the 19th-century sideshow performer billed as "Major Atom". This striking image was captured by the legendary Bowery photographer Charles Eisenmann, the preeminent documentarian of Gilded Age sideshow performers and dime museum attractions.
The photograph depicts Major Atom formally dressed in a suit and top hat, holding a small cane, and posed standing upon a studio prop rock formation to add dramatic scale to the portrait. The front of the mount is neatly printed with his stage name, "MAJOR ATOM.".
Exceptional Studio Backstamp:
The reverse features an elaborate and highly desirable variation of Eisenmann's studio imprint printed in gold text. It is decorated with Egyptian motifs including pyramids and an obelisk, and advertises:
"Chas. Eisenmann, Photographer, 229 Bowery, N. Y. / Photographs taken instantaneously / This picture is printed by electric light.".
Provenance & Collector History:
This outstanding piece of sideshow history boasts premium provenance, having formerly resided in the esteemed John Diesso Collection of circus, sideshow, and oddities ephemera. It was recently acquired via Potter & Potter sales. A small penciled archival notation ("485/-. 13") at the bottom of the reverse ties it to its cataloged history.
