Al Greene (1906-1980) had one of the largest collections of old photographs in existence. His collection, which numbered in the thousands, dates back to the latter part of the 19th Century. This unique collection was built up over a period of 30 years. His company bought the print and negative collections of several retiring photographers in the region, such as Frederick H. Maude, John R. & Arion Putnam, and C.C. Pierce, among others. The antique photograph in this sale is marked on the back that it is from the Al Greene Collection and was taken by John R. Putnam or his son Arion, in at Vernal Falls, Yosemite, California in 1891. (Ansel Adams photographed this location around 1948.)

About Mr. Greene's collection: "The Al Greene Photographic Print Collection constitutes an important collection of historical photographs of early California and Los Angeles up to the mid-20th Century. The collection of approximately 13,000 prints was assembled by Al Greene, a photographer and long-time operator of a thriving Los Angeles photographic and photo-mural business."

From the Online Archive of California: "Greene’s practice of copying other photographer’s images and supplying his own identification should alert researchers to treat the photographer/creator, descriptive, and date information on the photographs with some skepticism." In this case, the photo appears to have been printed on Putnam Studios, Los Angeles paper. According to our research, city directories list Putnam Studios from around the 1890s to about 1905. After that, the firm operated as Putnam & Valentine. These dates are not definitive but this would appear to be a print purchased by Greene in the Putnam collection rather than a reprint he produced from a negative that he purchased.

Measures about 20" largest dimension

Pre-owned, good condition, one edge with chips/losses, please examine all photos

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