Wilson Alwyn Bentley (American, 1865-1931) Four Photographs: Three of Snowflakes and One of Frost

Description:

Wilson Alwyn Bentley (American, 1865-1931)

Four Photographs: Three of Snowflakes and One of Frost, c. 1885-1931. Unsigned. Gelatin silver prints, sheet sizes to 4 x 3 1/8 in. (10.2 x 7.9 cm),unmatted, unframed.
Condition: Scattered minor handling crimps.

Provenance: Gift of Alice Bentley Hamalainen, Wilson Bentley's niece, to the current owner.

N.B. In 1885, after several years of trial and error, Wilson Bentley succeeded in making a photograph of a snowflake by combining his microscope with a bellows camera. Working outside, he captured falling flakes, delicately transferring them to his equipment with a feather to delay melting. He produced over 5,000 microphotographs of snowflakes, as well as frost, dew, and other atmospheric phenomena and published over 60 articles on the subject in popular and scientific journals before his death in 1931.
Estimate $1,500-2,500


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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