Trick Ambrotype

Description

Striking and unusual “trick” ambrotype of a gentleman in profile, c. mid-nineteenth century. As a collodion positive on glass, an ambrotype is backed with dark material to reveal the image. But in this playful (and certainly deliberate) two-sided ambrotype portrait, each side of the glass plate was left bare, creating the illusion of two photographs in one. The ambrotype is housed a two-door flip case of a design by Mathew Brady, a design which alternately provides a dark background for each side of the glass plate, creating the illusion of seeing both sides of the sitter’s face and amusingly making the case seem to contain the subject himself. I could not find another example of this creative use of wet plate portrait photography, which here verges on conceptual art.

Condition

Very good antique condition.

Measurements

3.75 inches tall
3.25 inches wide
.75 inches deep

Shipping

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