1891 William F. Vilas Portrait Engraving Grover Cleveland Cabinet Wisconsin #1454

Offered here is an original late-19th-century printed portrait of William F. Vilas (1840–1908), prominent Wisconsin statesman, Civil War veteran, and member of President Grover Cleveland’s cabinet. The impressive full-page portrait is captioned: “WILLIAM F. VILAS. From a photograph by Kurtz, New York.” The portrait features exceptionally fine line engraving and retains a small printed engraver/artist monogram within the lower right corner of the image, clearly visible in the close-up photographs. This mark is part of the original printed image and is not an autograph of William F. Vilas. William Freeman Vilas had a distinguished political career, serving as U.S. Postmaster General from 1885–1888, Secretary of the Interior from 1888–1889, and U.S. Senator from Wisconsin from 1891–1897. The reverse is also illustrated and contains period text concerning France and Alsace along with a detailed military scene captioned “CHASSEURS À PIED,” depicting French light infantry in the field. This is an original period publication page, not a modern reproduction and not an original photograph. The Vilas portrait was produced from a photograph by the noted Kurtz photographic studio of New York. Condition: Very good antique condition overall with expected age toning and minor handling/storage wear. The portrait remains remarkably crisp with excellent fine-line detail. Please review all photographs closely for exact condition. An attractive original piece of 19th-century American political and presidential history, particularly desirable for collectors of William F. Vilas, Grover Cleveland, Wisconsin history, Civil War personalities, cabinet members, antique engravings, and historical portraiture. You will receive the exact original antique portrait page shown in the photographs.