The Laughing Philosopher, Walt Whitman
photographer
George C. Cox
(1851 - 1902)
Date1887
Place MadeUnited States, North America
MediumPhotogravure
Dimensions34 x 27.2 cm (13 3/8 x 10 11/16 in.)
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineIsabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston
Accession numberP3n44
eMuseum ID724753
EmbARK ObjectID24289
TMS Source ID8854
Last Updated8/9/24
Status
Not on viewWeb CommentaryThis iconic photographic portrait of poet Walt Whitman, famous for his poetry collection Leaves of Grass (1819-1892), was reportedly among the poet’s favorites. He gave it the title “The Laughing Philosopher,” and it is considered a rare print today.
MarksNotesSigned and dated in ink (lower center): Walt Whitman 1887
Printed (lower left): Copyright 1887 / By George C. Cox
Printed (lower left): Copyright 1887 / By George C. Cox
ProvenanceNotesPossibly purchased by Isabella Stewart Gardner from the Old Corner Bookstore, Boston during a sale of Whitman books and memorabilia, 1897-1899.
