MAX ROSENTHAL'S ETCHED PORTRAIT OF UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT JUSTICE PETER DANIEL, SIGNED "MAX ROSENTHAL" OUTSIDE THE BORDER IN NEAT PENCIL SCRIPT.
[Philadelphia: c. 1890]. Etching, 4-3/8" x 6-1/4." Mounted on card stock. Signed by Rosenthal in pencil. Near Fine.
Born to a Jewish family in Poland in 1833, Rosenthal at the age of twelve "was sent to Paris to study art and escape conscription in the Imperial Russian Army, which recognized the Jewish rule of regarding a boy as of age at thirteen." Immigrating to Philadelphia at the age of 17, he became a successful lithographer and mezzotint engraver, winning a "conspicuous place among American engravers" [DAB]. See, also, the Library Company of Philadelphia's online article on Rosenthal, in "Philadelphia on Stone."
The Encyclopedia of Virginia's biography of Daniel includes this portrait. Daniel was a Strict Construction, Virginia State Rights Democrat. President Martin Van Buren nominated him to the Supreme Court in 1841; the Senate promptly confirmed him. He was a friend of Chief Justice Taney. A strong supporter of slavery, he very much favored Taney's Dred Scott decision, and wrote a concurring opinion. Item #41177
Price: $250.00