Poole, William F.:

$2,500 · Offered by William Reese Company

THE TYLER DAVIDSON FOUNTAIN. One of 100 copies intended for special presentation, after the first edition of the same year (smaller in format, without the photos), of this elaborate production commemorating the unveiling of the Tyler Davidson fountain in Cincinnati in 1871. The statue was a gift to the city from Henry Probasco, a prominent local businessman, and named for his brother-in-law and partner, Tyler Davidson. The present work includes thirteen original albumen photographs which illustrate the fountain's romantic design and its place in the city. Despite Probasco's desire to avoid certain overused iconographic images, such as Neptune, the final design still evokes certain clichés. A record of correspondence between Probasco and the municipal council comprises the second part of the work. "One hundred copies only of this edition were printed by Mr. Probasco for presents, and it is said they cost twenty dollars each. The photographs are very fine...altogether it is a work worthy of the noble object it portrays" - Thomson.Probasco was also a major book collector, and an elaborate catalogue of his library was later produced by Joseph Sabin.

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