This one I purchased for what I see as its sheer beauty and wonderful moodiness—and for how much this young man looks like a character out of Dickens or the like, with a whole drama swirling around him. I purchased him from an expert in the history of costume, and trust her dating of this to the 1840s. I assume his coat, draped around him almost like a sweater (and really a bit like a straight jacket, his hands hidden) is a work coat, protecting another coat underneath (which one can see just a bit of around the collar)— making this I believe an occupational photograph of sorts. Clean cut and unsoiled, I might guess he was a printer, or some other sort of skilled tradesman rather than a hard laborer, but I’m not entirely sure. Whatever the case, quite a wonderful portrait I think, which I like all the better for the loss of the foil frame over top, with the dark ring around him just enhancing a sense of drama.
Sixth plate, in good overall condition with some degrading as evident. With original foil exterior frame, 3 3/8" x 2 7/8".
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