Unidentified photographer’s John C. Frémont with “ Fremont and Freedom” banner

Meet the Artists of Alexander von Humboldt and the United States: Art, Nature, and Culture

A photograph of a man

Unidentified photographer, John C. Frémont with “ Fremont and Freedom” banner, 1856, ambrotype housed in half of original leatherette case, 3 1/4 x 3 3/4 in., Collection of Alan V. Weinberg, Photo courtesy Heritage Auctions.

About this Artwork

John C. Frémont, a former explorer and U.S. Senator from California, used the new medium of photography as part of his 1856 presidential campaign. His support for the abolition of slavery earned Humboldt’s praise.