Tribal affiliation unidentified
Circa 1860
Quarter plate ambrotype
Height approx. 4¼ in. (10.8 cm), width approx. 3¼ in. (8.3 cm)
Provenance: Private collection, Seattle, WA
This quarter plate ambrotype depicts a Native American man in a formal portrait setting, made during the early period of American photographic portraiture when ambrotypes were commonly presented in protective cases with decorative mats. The sitter's tribal affiliation is not documented, and the cultural attribution should remain general. The image is a direct positive made on glass, backed with dark material to render the tones visible.
The cased presentation, oval gilt mat, and decorative outer case are original to the object and form part of its period character as a complete photographic artifact. As an early Native American portrait, the work warrants careful description that emphasizes the photographic process, format, and provenance without assigning an unsupported regional identity. The Seattle provenance places the object within a collecting context with strong historical ties to Northwest and Plains material.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Tribal affiliation unidentified
Circa 1860
Quarter plate ambrotype
Height approx. 4¼ in. (10.8 cm), width approx. 3¼ in. (8.3 cm)
Provenance: Private collection, Seattle, WA
This quarter plate ambrotype depicts a Native American man in a formal portrait setting, made during the early period of American photographic portraiture when ambrotypes were commonly presented in protective cases with decorative mats. The sitter's tribal affiliation is not documented, and the cultural attribution should remain general. The image is a direct positive made on glass, backed with dark material to render the tones visible.
The cased presentation, oval gilt mat, and decorative outer case are original to the object and form part of its period character as a complete photographic artifact. As an early Native American portrait, the work warrants careful description that emphasizes the photographic process, format, and provenance without assigning an unsupported regional identity. The Seattle provenance places the object within a collecting context with strong historical ties to Northwest and Plains material.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
