Superb vintage 6 x 8 arched top albumen print taken in 1858 by Herbert Watkins, affixed to its original 9.75 x 12.5 photographer’s mount, depicting Dickens surrounded by the paraphernalia of a lecturer, signed in the lower left corner of the mount in blue ink. In fine condition, with a single tiny tack hole to both top corners, lightly trimmed right edge and some scattered light soiling, foxing, and fingerprints to the mount, in no way detracting from the bold signature. Mount also bears a partial Herbert Watkins seal to lower right. The year of this photograph, between the completion of Little Dorrit and the beginning of A Tale of Two Cities, was a momentous one for Dickens, for it was at this time he first became infatuated with the teenage actress, Ellen Ternan, and decided to separate from his wife. In the same period he began to give public readings from his works on a fully professional basis. This is the first Dicken’s photo we have offered, and could not wish for a finer example, in both size and pose. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
