I'm not altogether certain how to untangle this one, but it appears to me to be a tintype photo of an earlier watercolor, I presume a portrait miniature--but perhaps it is a tintype of a daguerreotype of a painting (??) And I love the mystery and ambiguity of it in many respects; while sharing qualities of post mortem daguerreotypes, where infants were carefully laid out in a similar manner--here on what looks like a chaise, with a curtain draped behind--I am not entirely certain if that's the case here, eyes wide open, but it seems quite possible. Whatever the case, exquisitely sharp, rich, striking tintype of a very otherworldly looking child, and with the combination of oval frame, ruffled pillow and drapery making think of a lily unfurling every time I look at it (especially when vertically oriented.) Someone's flower indeed, which just stopped me in my tracks when I came across it. And with faintly hand-tinted pink cheeks too. Unusual, stunning, and quite special feeling.
3 3/4" x 2 3/4" and in very good condition. Very crisp and sharp and just stunning.
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