BRADY, MATHEW B. (1823-1896) Diptych studio portrait of Major Alexander Shaler (4th from right) and members of the 7th N. Y. State Militia. Salted paper prints, each is 161/2x161/2 inches (41.8x41.8 cm.), overall size 161/2x33 inches. Circa 1860
An august, and late, salted print study by Brady, with his standard accoutrements--carpet, columns, and posing stands--whose compositional elements clearly mimic history paintings of the era. The portrait was created during the transitional period in which albumen paper had been commercially introduced but not yet fully incorporated into Brady's darkroom.
