Details
WALKER, MARY EDWARDS (1832-1919). Cabinet photograph signed ("Mary E. Walker, M.D."), by Bell, Washington (imprint on margin), n.d. [circa 1877]. 165 x 105 mm. (6½ x 4 3/16 in.) including mount, a few letters slightly smudged, corners very slightly rubbed. A three-quarter-length portrait of Walker, signed on the lower margin. Very rare.
"A Civil War surgeon, she was the first woman to win the Congressional Medal of Honor (which she wears in this photo). Walker called attention to herself and to her advocacy of women's right's by wearing men's attire"--W.M.
"A Civil War surgeon, she was the first woman to win the Congressional Medal of Honor (which she wears in this photo). Walker called attention to herself and to her advocacy of women's right's by wearing men's attire"--W.M.
Provenance
The Cornelius Greenway Collection (sale, Part I, Sotheby Parke Bernet, 20 November 1970, lot 145).