Original 1880 signed presentation portrait of William Earl Dodge Sr. (1805–1883), one of nineteenth-century New York’s leading merchants, co-founder of Phelps, Dodge & Co., philanthropist, reformer, and former United States congressman.
The steel-engraved portrait was created by noted American engraver Alexander Hay Ritchie and includes a printed facsimile of Dodge’s signature beneath his likeness. Accompanying the engraving is a separate presentation sheet personally inscribed and signed by Dodge:
“Mr. Emerson Coleman
With the kind regards of
Wm. E. Dodge
May 1880”
This is Dodge’s authentic handwritten presentation inscription, not merely the facsimile signature printed beneath the portrait. The May 1880 date places the presentation approximately three years before his death.
A later pencil notation identifies Dodge as a “Banker N.Y. City.” The portrait and inscription were subsequently mounted together on a larger backing sheet. Emerson Coleman was evidently a personal, civic, or business acquaintance of Dodge, although the precise nature of their relationship has not been conclusively established.
BIOGRAPHY OF WILLIAM E. DODGE
William Earl Dodge Sr. was born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1805. In 1833, he and his father-in-law, Anson Greene Phelps, established Phelps, Dodge & Co. in New York City. Originally an importing and metals-trading concern, the company eventually developed into one of America’s most important mining and copper enterprises.
Dodge became one of the celebrated “Merchant Princes” of Wall Street and was prominent in New York commercial, political, religious, and philanthropic life. He served briefly as a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from New York during the 39th Congress.
His civic and charitable work was extensive. Dodge was an early leader and supporter of the YMCA movement, president of the National Temperance Society from 1865 until his death, and an advocate for religious education and Native American policy reform. He also helped establish and support numerous educational, missionary, and charitable institutions, including the Syrian Protestant College, now the American University of Beirut.
Dodge died in New York City in 1883. A bronze monument honoring him, created by sculptor John Quincy Adams Ward, stands in Bryant Park.
ABOUT THE ENGRAVER
Alexander Hay Ritchie (1822–1895) was a prominent Scottish-born American engraver known for highly detailed portraits and historical subjects. After immigrating to the United States, he established a successful career producing engravings of notable American political, military, religious, and business figures.
HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE
This presentation piece combines an attractive engraved likeness by an identified nineteenth-century artist with a dated inscription and autograph from one of the most influential American merchants and philanthropists of his generation. Its associations encompass Wall Street, the development of Phelps Dodge, American copper and mining history, the YMCA, temperance reform, philanthropy, and post-Civil War politics.
CONDITION
Antique condition with overall toning, scattered spotting and staining, edge wear, and tears or separations along portions of the mount. The upper-right corner of the backing has been clipped, and the portrait sheet has wear and a tear along its right edge. The inscription remains dark, clear, and fully legible. The portrait and inscription were mounted together at a later date. Please examine all photographs carefully for the exact condition.
An unusual, visually impressive signed presentation portrait suitable for a collection devoted to American business, Wall Street, mining, copper, New York history, political autographs, the YMCA, temperance, or nineteenth-century philanthropy.
Guaranteed original and dating from May 1880.
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