Mid-19th Century Cased Ambrotype Portrait of a Woman & Child | E. Renard Artiste | Circa 1855 – 1865

Historial de procedencia y propiedad
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Formerly held in a private collection in Massachusetts.

Subsequently handled by White’s Auctions, Middleborough, Massachusetts. Established in 1993, White’s Auctions is an independent, privately owned Massachusetts auction house specializing in antiques, fine art, decorative arts, and historical material. The firm conducts catalogued estate and collection sales and has served collectors, dealers, galleries, and consignors for more than three decades.

$500.00
$500.00
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This is a one-of-a-kind historical object. Once sold, this exact piece will not be restocked.
Questions before acquiring? Additional photographs, condition details, documentation, shipping information or a private viewing are available upon request.
Mid-19th-century cased ambrotype portrait of an adult woman and young child with gilt-brass mat and green velvet lining
Video showcasing a mid-19th-century cased ambrotype of a woman and child with gilt-brass mat, green velvet lining, handwritten family label, and embossed case
Victorian ambrotype of a woman and child seated together within an ornate gilt-brass oval presentation mat
Open Victorian photographic case containing a woman and child portrait beside deep green embossed velvet lining
Close-up of impressed “E. RENARD / ARTISTE” maker or photographer marking associated with the ambrotype
Close-up of faint secondary impressed marking beginning “GUERIN” on the mid-19th-century photographic mount
Handwritten family identification label reading “Grandmother + mother when 8 years old” on the Victorian photograph case
Embossed Victorian photographic case retaining handwritten family label and decorative gilt border
Closed mid-19th-century ambrotype case with deeply embossed floral and scroll decoration
Antique photographic case with ornate embossed exterior, gilt border detailing, and metal closure hardware
Victorian ambrotype case showing dark embossed floral exterior and age-related surface wear
  • Mid-19th-century cased ambrotype portrait of an adult woman and young child with gilt-brass mat and green velvet lining
  • Video showcasing a mid-19th-century cased ambrotype of a woman and child with gilt-brass mat, green velvet lining, handwritten family label, and embossed case
  • Victorian ambrotype of a woman and child seated together within an ornate gilt-brass oval presentation mat
  • Open Victorian photographic case containing a woman and child portrait beside deep green embossed velvet lining
  • Close-up of impressed “E. RENARD / ARTISTE” maker or photographer marking associated with the ambrotype
  • Close-up of faint secondary impressed marking beginning “GUERIN” on the mid-19th-century photographic mount
  • Handwritten family identification label reading “Grandmother + mother when 8 years old” on the Victorian photograph case
  • Embossed Victorian photographic case retaining handwritten family label and decorative gilt border
  • Closed mid-19th-century ambrotype case with deeply embossed floral and scroll decoration
  • Antique photographic case with ornate embossed exterior, gilt border detailing, and metal closure hardware
  • Victorian ambrotype case showing dark embossed floral exterior and age-related surface wear
Mid-19th-century cased ambrotype portrait of an adult woman and young child with gilt-brass mat and green velvet lining
Video showcasing a mid-19th-century cased ambrotype of a woman and child with gilt-brass mat, green velvet lining, handwritten family label, and embossed case
Victorian ambrotype of a woman and child seated together within an ornate gilt-brass oval presentation mat
Open Victorian photographic case containing a woman and child portrait beside deep green embossed velvet lining
Close-up of impressed “E. RENARD / ARTISTE” maker or photographer marking associated with the ambrotype
Close-up of faint secondary impressed marking beginning “GUERIN” on the mid-19th-century photographic mount
Handwritten family identification label reading “Grandmother + mother when 8 years old” on the Victorian photograph case
Embossed Victorian photographic case retaining handwritten family label and decorative gilt border
Closed mid-19th-century ambrotype case with deeply embossed floral and scroll decoration
Antique photographic case with ornate embossed exterior, gilt border detailing, and metal closure hardware
Victorian ambrotype case showing dark embossed floral exterior and age-related surface wear
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Mid-19th Century Cased Ambrotype Portrait of a Woman & Child | E. Renard Artiste | Circa 1855 – 1865

Descripción
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Historical Context & Origin

Region: Likely North America or Europe
Material: Collodion photographic image on glass, gilt brass mat, embossed leather-covered case, velvet lining, and metal fittings
Period: Mid-19th Century, circa 1855–1865

Description

An evocative mid-19th-century cased photographic portrait depicting an adult woman seated beside a young child, likely members of the same family. Both subjects face the camera directly, with the woman dressed in a dark period gown with a broad pale collar and the child wearing a patterned dress.

The image is housed behind an oval opening within a richly gilt brass presentation mat, surrounded by a muted red or rose-coloured textile liner. The opposite interior panel is covered in deep green embossed velvet with an elaborate symmetrical foliate and scroll pattern.

Particularly noteworthy are the surviving markings associated with the photograph. The gilt mat bears an impressed stamp reading “E. RENARD / ARTISTE.” A second, considerably fainter impressed marking appears to begin “GUERIN…”, although the remaining lettering is presently too indistinct for a secure transcription. Research has not produced sufficient evidence to confidently identify E. Renard or the secondary mark with a particular photographic studio, and they are therefore preserved in the description exactly as observed rather than attributed speculatively.

The exterior case is equally decorative, formed with deeply embossed floral and scroll ornament surrounding a central floral composition and finished with a narrow gilt ornamental border. Two small metal closures remain along the opening edge.

Most significantly, an old red-bordered handwritten identification label remains affixed to the exterior of the case. After close examination, the inscription appears to read approximately:

“Grandmother + mother when 8 years old”

The surviving wording strongly suggests that the label was added by a family member to identify the sitters. The label adds an unusually personal layer of family history to an already compelling early photographic object.

Features

- Most consistent with a quarter-plate ambrotype

- Depicts an adult woman and young child

- Gilt brass oval presentation mat

- Mat impressed “E. RENARD / ARTISTE”

- Additional partially legible impressed mark beginning “GUERIN…”

- Deep green embossed velvet interior panel

- Dark embossed exterior case with floral and foliate decoration

- Fine gilt ornamental border surrounding the exterior

- Retains original-style metal closures and hardware

- Rare surviving handwritten family identification label

- Label appears to reference “Grandmother + mother when 8 years old”

Cultural Significance

Ambrotypes occupy an important transitional position in the history of photography. Introduced during the early 1850s, they provided a faster and less expensive alternative to the daguerreotype while still producing a unique direct-positive portrait. Their affordability helped make professionally produced photographic likenesses available to a much broader section of society.

Cased photographs were deeply personal objects, frequently preserved within families as records of parents, children, spouses, and relatives. Surviving examples retaining old handwritten identifications are particularly evocative because they connect the otherwise anonymous faces with evidence of how later generations understood and remembered them.

Condition

Good antique condition consistent with approximately 160–170 years of age. The case displays expected surface rubbing, edge wear, small losses, abrasions, and deterioration to portions of the gilt decoration. The handwritten identification label shows substantial age toning, fading, staining, and surface wear but remains partially legible. The photograph itself exhibits age-related spotting and surface marks visible in the images. Interior velvet shows expected wear and compression. Metal fittings and closures exhibit age-related oxidation and patination.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Height: 4.75 in
Width: 3.75 in
Depth: 0.75 in

Age (Approximate)

160–170 years old

Provenance

Formerly held in a private collection in Massachusetts.

Subsequently handled by White’s Auctions, Middleborough, Massachusetts. Established in 1993, White’s Auctions is an independent, privately owned Massachusetts auction house specializing in antiques, fine art, decorative arts, and historical material. The firm conducts catalogued estate and collection sales and has served collectors, dealers, galleries, and consignors for more than three decades.

Learn More

Discover the history and photographic process of the ambrotype through The Museum of Modern Art

Explore our Collection of Victorian Artifacts & Historic Relics

Descripción

Historical Context & Origin

Region: Likely North America or Europe
Material: Collodion photographic image on glass, gilt brass mat, embossed leather-covered case, velvet lining, and metal fittings
Period: Mid-19th Century, circa 1855–1865

Description

An evocative mid-19th-century cased photographic portrait depicting an adult woman seated beside a young child, likely members of the same family. Both subjects face the camera directly, with the woman dressed in a dark period gown with a broad pale collar and the child wearing a patterned dress.

The image is housed behind an oval opening within a richly gilt brass presentation mat, surrounded by a muted red or rose-coloured textile liner. The opposite interior panel is covered in deep green embossed velvet with an elaborate symmetrical foliate and scroll pattern.

Particularly noteworthy are the surviving markings associated with the photograph. The gilt mat bears an impressed stamp reading “E. RENARD / ARTISTE.” A second, considerably fainter impressed marking appears to begin “GUERIN…”, although the remaining lettering is presently too indistinct for a secure transcription. Research has not produced sufficient evidence to confidently identify E. Renard or the secondary mark with a particular photographic studio, and they are therefore preserved in the description exactly as observed rather than attributed speculatively.

The exterior case is equally decorative, formed with deeply embossed floral and scroll ornament surrounding a central floral composition and finished with a narrow gilt ornamental border. Two small metal closures remain along the opening edge.

Most significantly, an old red-bordered handwritten identification label remains affixed to the exterior of the case. After close examination, the inscription appears to read approximately:

“Grandmother + mother when 8 years old”

The surviving wording strongly suggests that the label was added by a family member to identify the sitters. The label adds an unusually personal layer of family history to an already compelling early photographic object.

Features

- Most consistent with a quarter-plate ambrotype

- Depicts an adult woman and young child

- Gilt brass oval presentation mat

- Mat impressed “E. RENARD / ARTISTE”

- Additional partially legible impressed mark beginning “GUERIN…”

- Deep green embossed velvet interior panel

- Dark embossed exterior case with floral and foliate decoration

- Fine gilt ornamental border surrounding the exterior

- Retains original-style metal closures and hardware

- Rare surviving handwritten family identification label

- Label appears to reference “Grandmother + mother when 8 years old”

Cultural Significance

Ambrotypes occupy an important transitional position in the history of photography. Introduced during the early 1850s, they provided a faster and less expensive alternative to the daguerreotype while still producing a unique direct-positive portrait. Their affordability helped make professionally produced photographic likenesses available to a much broader section of society.

Cased photographs were deeply personal objects, frequently preserved within families as records of parents, children, spouses, and relatives. Surviving examples retaining old handwritten identifications are particularly evocative because they connect the otherwise anonymous faces with evidence of how later generations understood and remembered them.

Condition

Good antique condition consistent with approximately 160–170 years of age. The case displays expected surface rubbing, edge wear, small losses, abrasions, and deterioration to portions of the gilt decoration. The handwritten identification label shows substantial age toning, fading, staining, and surface wear but remains partially legible. The photograph itself exhibits age-related spotting and surface marks visible in the images. Interior velvet shows expected wear and compression. Metal fittings and closures exhibit age-related oxidation and patination.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Height: 4.75 in
Width: 3.75 in
Depth: 0.75 in

Age (Approximate)

160–170 years old

Provenance

Formerly held in a private collection in Massachusetts.

Subsequently handled by White’s Auctions, Middleborough, Massachusetts. Established in 1993, White’s Auctions is an independent, privately owned Massachusetts auction house specializing in antiques, fine art, decorative arts, and historical material. The firm conducts catalogued estate and collection sales and has served collectors, dealers, galleries, and consignors for more than three decades.

Learn More

Discover the history and photographic process of the ambrotype through The Museum of Modern Art

Explore our Collection of Victorian Artifacts & Historic Relics

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