Sale 22FA06 | Lot 2014

BENTLEY, WILSON A. (1865-1931) Six microphotographic studies of dewdrops on plants, spiderwebs etc.,

Catalogue: Fine Art / Photographs
BENTLEY, WILSON A. (1865-1931)  Six microphotographic studies of dewdrops on plants, spiderwebs etc.,

Lot Details

Lot 2014
BENTLEY, WILSON A. (1865-1931) Six microphotographic studies of dewdrops on plants, spiderwebs etc.,
about 1900. Gold chloride toned prints from glass plate negatives, the largest 3 x 4 inches (100 x 78 mm), all titled in pencil in Bentley's hand.

Bentley was a Vermont farmer, who in 1885 became the first person to photograph a single snow crystal. He recorded about 5,000 in all, discovering in the process that no two are alike, possibly the first time that this observation had been made. To create the images, he used a microscope attached to a bellows camera. Using the same method he also investigated frost and dew, producing these exquisite images. These include dew on dandelion; on a shamrock; a fern; a spider web; a strawberry leaf; and on red top grass.


Estimate: $2,500 - $3,500
Sold for $2,835 (includes buyer's premium)

Additional Notes & Condition Report

Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact and Doyle New York shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. Please contact the specialist department to request further information or additional images that may be available.

No condition report? Click here to request one.

Estimate: $2,500 - $3,500
Sold for $2,835 (includes buyer's premium)

Ask the Specialist Track Lot
Catalogue Info

Fine Art / Photographs

Tue, Dec 13, 2022 at 11am EST
View All Lots