Ambrotype of Soldier, Possibly African American or Biracial

Sixth plate ambrotype of a soldier, possibly African American or Biracial, standing in full dress uniform, complete with epaulettes and a cap topped with feathers. No place, circa 1861-65. Housed under glass in a 3" x 3.25" embossed metal frame with decorative beading bordering its oval cutout. Expected minor surface imperfections to ambrotype. Frame has some small areas of discoloration and corner separation at bottom right. A very attractive example.

Developed in 1851, the ambrotype is a positive photograph on glass achieved through a variant of the wet plate collodion process. Ambrotypes were made on a glass plate coated with a wet, light sensitive substance, which when developed and dried, produced a negative image. The negative then had to be mounted against a dark background or coated with a dark varnish to give the illusion of a positive. Ambrotypes are prized because the glass mount gives its subjects an especially luminous, seemingly three-dimensional, and lifelike appearance.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!