[CIVIL WAR] The Home Front: Civilian Views by J. P. Ball

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Rick Carlile Collection of Civil War Photogra...

By Fleischer's Auctions

Jun 20, 2026

Set Reminder 2026-06-20 09:00:00 2026-06-20 09:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Rick Carlile Collection of Civil War Photography https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/fleischers-auctions/rick-carlile-collection-of-civil-war-photography-22699
This sale features an extensive catalog of Civil War photographs that were acquired, curated, and researched by seminal collector, Rick Carlile. Fleischer's Auctions info@fleischersauctions.com

View Full Catalog (238)

• Lot Description

  Collection of 2 studio portrait albumen CDVs. Cincinnati: J. P. Ball and Ball & Thomas, [ca. 1860-5]. Photographer’s imprints to mount recto and verso. Research pencil identifications to mount verso read: "Thomas Neave Lupton / Co A 137th Ohio."

   

  This lot features two civilian studies from the prestigious Cincinnati studios of James Presley Ball. While Ball is widely collected for his military portraits, these civilian works highlight his technical mastery and the social reach of his gallery among the city's residents during the mid-19th century.

   

  The lot includes:

   

  1. Thomas Neave Lupton: A full-length study of a young man in formal civilian attire, including a frock coat, waistcoat and bow tie. He is posed leaning against a familiar studio pedestal with an elaborate scenic backdrop. The reverse features the Ball & Thomas "Photographic Art Gallery" backmark and notes his subsequent service in Company A of the 137th Ohio. The 137th was a 100-day regiment that served in the defenses of Baltimore during the summer of 1864. This portrait likely captures Lupton just prior to his enlistment.

  2. Young Child in Patterned Dress: A seated study of a small child wearing a finely detailed patterned dress with dark trim. The child is posed on a draped chair, a common technique used by 19th-century photographers to keep young subjects still during long exposure times. This image is distinguished by a clear J. P. Ball name and address stamp on the lower mount recto, marking it as a product of his 30 W. 4th St. gallery.

   

  James Presley Ball was one of the most prominent African-American photographers in the United States, and his Cincinnati studio was a landmark of the Queen City. His civilian portraits were known for their elegant composition and the use of high-quality backdrops and props, which are visible in both of these images. For the collector, Ball’s civilian work provides essential context for his better-known military sittings, demonstrating the consistent excellence that made him the photographer of choice for a diverse clientele. 

   

  [Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Photography, Early Photography, Historic Photography, Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Tintypes, Cased Images, Union Cases, Albumen Photographs, CDVs, Carte de Visites, Cartes de Visite, Carte-de-visite, Cartes-de-visite, CDV, Cabinet Cards, Stereoviews, Stereocards]

  Condition

  Request Condition Report

  Both images are in generally excellent condition, featuring the rich tonal range and crisp detail characteristic of the J. P. Ball studios. The albumen surfaces are well-preserved with a pleasing light sheen and minimal surface wear. The mounts remain structurally sound with clean edges.

• Provenance

  Rick Carlile collection. 

• Shipping Info

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