Ambrotype of a white baby being held by a man

Unidentified · 1855-1860

This 1/9 plate cased ambrotype depicts a white baby being held for the camera by a black man whose shoulder and hands are visible, but is otherwise unseen. The baby's cheeks have been tinted pink. The photograph is in a decorative copper-colored metal oval frame with a floral, star, and scroll motif and is held in a brown case with red textile lining. There are decorative impressions on the front and back of the case, which fastens with a small metal hook and eye closure along one edge.