The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 14, 2025

Wife

c. 1860–65

America

ambrotype, hand-tinted
The Julius L. Greenfield Photography Acquisition Fund 2022.11.a
Location: Not on view

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.
  • Estate of Robert and Joyce Feinman, Akron, OH
    (Bluebird Liquidators, Fairlawn, OH), sold to Barbara Tannenbaum as agent for The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
    March 7, 2022-
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • {{cite web|title=Wife|url=false|author=|year=c. 1860–65|access-date=14 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2022.11.a