Quarter-Plate Ambrotype

Quarter-Plate Ambrotype (1855 - 1865), 19th century portrait, vintage case, 3.25 x 4.25. Developed in 1851 by Frederick Scott Archer, ambrotype, or amphitype, hails from the Greek words "immortal" and "impression." These images were impressed on glass through a variant of the wet plate collodion process. They required shorter exposure times than daguerreotypes and were more affordable to manufacture, two factors which contributed to their rise in popularity.

Featured here is a 19th century half-length portrait of a gentleman posing with his trumpet. Donning a scally cap, vest, suit coat, striped tie and pink-tinted cheeks, he is perched on a chair and staring off into the distance. Bordered with an ornate oval gold frame, the crystal clear image is encased under glass. The interior of the front cover is lined in intricately emblazoned red velvet, and both of the original closure clasps remain functioning and intact.

In fine condition, with some light surface marks and the expected wear to the case.