1860s CIVIL WAR AMBROTYPE PHOTO OF ARMED UNION SOLDIER WONDERFUL COMPOSITE IMAGE
Rare and original, 1860s Civil War Ruby Plate Ambrotype Photograph of an armed Union Army Soldier!! This original, period Ambrotype Photograph measures approx. 2 5/8 by 3 1/6 (sixth plate size) and is housed in a very attractive, pressed leather hard Case. This wonderful Ambrotype features near full length portrait of a very young Union Soldier wearing a 3/4 length frock coat and kepi.
His left hand rests atop the muzzle of his rifle (with fixed bayonet) which stands upright before him. The Soldier stands before a rather elaborate backdrop that by some technique which we are not familiar with, the photographer has caused to appear almost 3 dimensional with the soldier almost seeming to be "imbedded" into the scene. There are elements of tree branches and rocks at the left side of the plate that appear to be in front of the Soldier rather than behind him. The figure of the Soldier has some of the aspects of a relievo Image and it has been suggested that the effect was created by either a double exposure or a composite process. Whatever the process the effect is a very eerie one and coupled with the almost vacant look on the face of the Soldier (a look we have seen many times of the faces of Civil War Soldiers who have "seen the elephant") the impression is almost surrealistic.
Neither the subject nor the photographer are identified in any way. This rare and original, Civil War Ruby Plate Ambrotype Photograph is in very good condition. The Photograph exhibits sharp focus, strong contrast and a rich, warm tonality.
The effect caused by the process that created this image causes the figure of the Soldier to appear almost silhouetted as one would expect with a relievo Image and also caused his lower legs and the butt of his rifle to fade as if in a vignette. The Ambro displays beautifully with a halo of solarization at the matt opening and some scattered small surface blemishes. As stated above the "effect" of the process used is striking. The Image was professionally reglazed and sealed using archival materials and techniques in 2005 and the information is written on the Filmoplast P-90 tape seal. The pressed leather case is intact and sound with very light wear only. A very rare and original, 1860s Civil War Sixth Plate Ruby Plate Ambrotype Photograph of an Armed Union Army Soldier and a fantastic addition to any collection! The item "1860s CIVIL WAR AMBROTYPE PHOTO OF ARMED UNION SOLDIER WONDERFUL COMPOSITE IMAGE" is in sale since Friday, December 25, 2015.This item is in the category "Collectibles\Militaria\Civil War (1861-65)\Original Period Items\Photographs". The seller is "walnutts" and is located in Brewster, Massachusetts. This item can be shipped worldwide.