Sep 24, 2025 11:00 EST
Photographs & Contemporary Fine Art
13
Augustus Frederick Sherman's portraits of immigrants on Ellis Island
SHERMAN, AUGUSTUS FREDERICK (1865-1925)
Group of fifteen images of Ellis Island and its inhabitants, circa 1906, vintage. Collodion on paper, each image 4 3/4 x 6 5/6 inches (120 x 170 mm), images unsigned, several with notations (likely in Sherman's hand) regarding the subjects. The collection comprises six images of the facilities of Ellis Island and New York Harbor beyond; two images of the staff, Sherman's colleagues; and seven remarkable images of immigrants and their families. Minor fading and toning, generally in exceptional condition.
Sherman began his career as a senior stenographer on Ellis Island in 1895, and rose to become the chief clerk there. He also supervised immigrant appeals. This gave him unique access to these aspiring Americans. His portraits, taken with long exposures on glass plates, are striking and deeply sympathetic to their subjects. Of especial note here are the images of three Dutch women in traditional costume, a mother and two daughters; a Serbian gypsy family; a group of Romanian shepherds; and a huge family of Scottish immigrants.
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustus_Frederick_Sherman
and
https://www.rferl.org/a/united-states-america-politics-society-immigrants/27359707.html
This latter link includes several of the images here.
SHERMAN, AUGUSTUS FREDERICK (1865-1925)
Group of fifteen images of Ellis Island and its inhabitants, circa 1906, vintage. Collodion on paper, each image 4 3/4 x 6 5/6 inches (120 x 170 mm), images unsigned, several with notations (likely in Sherman's hand) regarding the subjects. The collection comprises six images of the facilities of Ellis Island and New York Harbor beyond; two images of the staff, Sherman's colleagues; and seven remarkable images of immigrants and their families. Minor fading and toning, generally in exceptional condition.
Sherman began his career as a senior stenographer on Ellis Island in 1895, and rose to become the chief clerk there. He also supervised immigrant appeals. This gave him unique access to these aspiring Americans. His portraits, taken with long exposures on glass plates, are striking and deeply sympathetic to their subjects. Of especial note here are the images of three Dutch women in traditional costume, a mother and two daughters; a Serbian gypsy family; a group of Romanian shepherds; and a huge family of Scottish immigrants.
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustus_Frederick_Sherman
and
https://www.rferl.org/a/united-states-america-politics-society-immigrants/27359707.html
This latter link includes several of the images here.
Auction: Photographs & Contemporary Fine Art, Sep 24, 2025
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Auction of Photographs on Wednesday, September 24, 2025
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Major 20th Century Images, Early Photography and Daguerreotypes
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We Invite You to Contact Us for Complimentary Auction Evaluations of Your Collection
NEW YORK, NY -- Doyle held its Photographs auction on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Featured were iconic images by some of the most renowned names in the history of photography from the early period of the medium up to the present day. Offerings include Fine Art, Early Photography, Travel Albums, Daguerreotypes and Photographic Literature.
One of the outstanding works was Irving Penn’s Young Orangutan and Coconut, New York, Oct 12, 2004, which sold for $10,240. This tender image is a poignant example of his later work, showcasing his enduring mastery in animal portraiture.
Order of Sale
Lots 1–13: 19th and early 20th century photography, including daguerreotypes, fine images by Edward Curtis, Southworth and Hawes, Thomas Easterly, Julia Margaret Cameron and Augustus Frederick Sherman.
Lots 14–101: 20th century photography, including four works by Henri Cartier-Bresson, and works by Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, Richard Avedon, Irving Penn and a diverse range of other artists.
Lots 102–110: Contemporary photography, including Andreas Serrano, Joel Meyerowitz and others.
Contemporary Fine Art: Lots 111 - 208
The September 24 auction also offered affordable paintings, prints and sculpture spanning the post-war years to the present day. Read More
We Invite You to Auction!
Consignments are currently being accepted for future auctions. We invite you to contact us for complimentary auction estimates. Our Specialists are always available to discuss the sale of a single item or an entire collection.
