Lot 55 email save

Brilliant colors on a pair of family ambrotypes

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ENGLISH FAMILY, EXCEPTIONAL COLORS. A pair of ¼ plate ambrotypes in each half of a double case with separated cover. The mother poses with 2 boys and a baby; the father poses with a boy and 2 girls. A green curtain and panels suggesting windows form the background. There are many chains, pins and buttons that are very finely gilded. We much more commonly see thicker gilding that often runs and blurs details: not here. The effect is attractive coloring that I find remarkable. These show the ambrotype capable of its own artistic effect. A similar overall coloring is found on some hand-colored prints and tintypes, but because of the glass substrate this has a unique glow. [4]

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