Artwork Page for Husband

Details / Information for Husband

Husband

c. 1860–65

America

View all records in artwork set
Medium
ambrotype, hand-tinted
Credit Line
The Julius L. Greenfield Photography Acquisition Fund 2022.11.b
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

In the early decades of photography, many people did not know how to pose for the camera.

Description

You rarely see a smiling portrait from the mid-19th century. Having your photograph taken was a serious and rare endeavor, plus it was difficult to hold any animated expression long enough for the exposure times required by the early processes. Sitters were instructed to find ways to keep from moving, such as clasping their hands. The woman here has taken the photographers’ cautions to an extreme, resulting in a tense and unflattering portrait.
A hand-tinted ambrotype depicts a man with light skin tone from the chest up, looking directly at us. His thinning brown hair curls outward near his ears, and his cheeks are delicately tinted pink. He wears a formal black coat and necktie over a white shirt. The portrait is encased in an ornate golden frame with a scalloped inner border and floral designs. Dust specks fleck the dark, reflective background of the image.

Husband

c. 1860–65

America

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork