"Snowflakes" by Wilson Bentley (1865-1931).
Three microphotographs from glass plate negatives, artist mounted to embossed cards, two dated verso in pencil; shadowbox framed with archival materials and museum glass, 10" x 10".
America c. Early 20th c.
5" x 5"
PRICE: $5,500 /3
#1
Image is 2½" across on a 5" x 5" embossed card. This image is a slightly larger size and somewhat different color than the other two. It is undated.
#2
Image is 2¼" across on a 5" x 5" embossed card. Dated verso, "Feb 25 1900".
#3
Image is 2¼" across on a 5" x 5" embossed card. Dated verso, "1-29-1900".¹
Wilson Bentley was born in Jericho, Vermont in 1865. He was the first person ever to photograph a snowflake. He was also the first person to suggest "no two snowflakes are alike". Throughout his career he photographed over 5,000 snow crystals, as they were called then.
¹In 1931 Bentley published a book called "Snow Crystals" in which he illustrated nearly 2500 specimens. Snowflake #3 is shown on page 52, reproduced here.