Half-Plate Ambrotype

Half-Plate Ambrotype (1855 - 1865), 19th century portrait, vintage case, 4.25 x 5.5. 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.

Pictured here is a striking 19th century group portrait of two women and a gentleman, all clad in aristocratic period garb. The image is bordered by an ornate gold frame, and the interior of the front cover is lined in emblazoned red velvet. The front cover is almost detached from the case, which still bears remnants of the original closure clasps.

Some spotting to the frame, scattered light surface marks and moderate wear to the case, otherwise very good condition.