Photogravure portrait of Elbert Hubbard from a photograph by Schervee, inscribed by Hubbard and presented to William Mather Lewis

Item Details

[New York?], [c. 1900]

toned, old stain, repair to verso

Herman SCHERVEE (1867-1923, photographer). Photogravure portrait of Elbert Hubbard from a photograph by Schervee, inscribed by Hubbard and presented to William Mather Lewis. [East Aurora, NY: Roycroft Press?, copyright dated 1900]. Sepia-toned photogravure on card-backed paper, image by H. Schervee,  (overall size 10 ¾ x 7 ¾  inches). Inscribed in ink: "To Wm. Mather Lewis, / with all kind wishes / from his friend / Elbert Hubbard."

Condition: toned, old stain at lower left (not affecting inscription), repair to verso (crack in the card backing?), edges worn with minor surface wear .

Photogravure portrait of Elbert Hubbard—founder of the Roycroft movement and key figure in American Arts & Crafts—inscribed to William Mather Lewis, noted educator and later president of George Washington University (1923–1927).

An indicator of the warm association between two influential public intellectuals from the early 20th century.

NB matt not included.

AI notes:

Biography of H. Schervee, Photographer of Elbert Hubbard

Early Life and Background

• Full Name: Herman (or Hermann) Schervee
• Birth: 1867 (some records state 1869), Tonsberg, Norway
• Emigration and Education: Schervee spent years studying in art schools and studios in Europe before emigrating to the United States^[1][2].

Career

• Professional Work: Herman Schervee became a widely renowned photographer, with his work recognized throughout the United States and Europe. He established himself in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he operated The Schervee Studios. The studio was known not only for photography but also for dealing in works of art and interior decoration.
• Artistic Recognition: Schervee's reputation extended beyond portraiture; he was respected for his artistic approach and technical skill in photography, which brought him considerable acclaim during his lifetime.

Connection to Elbert Hubbard

• Photographer of Elbert Hubbard: Schervee is credited with photographing Elbert Hubbard, the prominent American writer, publisher, and founder of the Roycroft arts and crafts community. His portrait of Hubbard was used as a frontispiece illustration in special Roycroft editions, such as "Contemplations" by Elbert Hubbard

1. https://www.instagram.com/museumofworcester/p/CIYRadRFynn/
2. https://ancestors.familysearch.org/en/GCX9-H73/hermann-schervee-1869
3. https://archive.org/details/scherveeh191919200amer
4. https://www.ragoarts.com/auctions/2023/08/roycroft-life-in-abundance-the-collection-of-richard-blacher-part-i/157