Description

Description: New York State Governor Alfred E. Smith (1873-1944) stands tall and gazes solemnly at the viewer amidst a swirling, smoky backdrop in this knees-up portrait photograph. Smith’s center-parted hair is slicked to his head in his signature style, his collar is stiffly starched, his suit coat is casually unbuttoned, and his right arm is raised to waist height as he grasps a pen[?] in his fingers. The former governor has boldly signed his name to the right of his body.

Al Smith left school after the eighth grade to help support his family. He got his start in politics by performing unofficial jobs for the Tammany Hall machine and was able to rise through the ranks without becoming tarnished by Tammany corruption. He was a progressive New York State Assemblyman from 1904-1915, before returning to New York City for three years as Sheriff and President of the Board of Aldermen. He served as Governor of New York from 1919-1920 and 1923-1928, and was the Democratic nominee for President of the US in 1928.

9 7/8” x 7 ¾”. Item #A01344

Condition: Several short creases near edges, 1/4″ tear at upper blank margin, generally very good condition.