Pencil signed "Miley 1894" in lower right, a rowing crew, most likely from VMI or Washington & Lee University, rests on a placid river or lake. The print is mounted to a textured board behind a mat. Enterprising Confederate veteran Michael Miley (1841 - 1918) opened a photography studio in Lexington, Virginia almost immediately after the Civil War. Miley's future success was ensured when his neighbor and former commander, Robert E. Lee, agreed to pose astride Traveller for the young photographer. The resulting equestrian image became an instant American icon, earning Miley the sobriquet "General Lee's Photographer." Following Lee's 1870 death, Michael Miley continued to run a portrait studio in Lexington, experimented with color photography and documenting life in surrounding Rockbridge County.

Print 16 x 19.75 in.; DOA 28 x 32 in.

Attic condition as found. The mat and mount are in very poor condition with stains, chips and grime. The print, however, has a clear signature and has only minor spots that do not effect the subjects. It would present well if professionally re-mounted and framed.

$250 - 500