I think the more one looks at and for things, the more attracted to the effects of time and chance one becomes, which can make already singular things all the more so. I found a very potent image of a Civil War soldier several weeks ago, which had deteriorated such that it appeared his head had been shot off, and actually purchased this and one other I am listing now from that same seller, I think all three previously held in one collection. I believe it is an ambrotype—printed on glass, with a dark cardboard backing, and another piece of glass laid atop it inside the gold foil, and with some hand-tinting to the photo, at least on the cheeks. Dating to the heyday of Spiritualism, c. 1860s or so I believe, it seems just right that this woman should have developed what appears to be an aura of light framing her head like a crescent moon—very otherworldly, and I think it suits her perfectly. One does fairly frequently see this haloing effect on antique ambrotypes, but I don't think I've ever seen one so perfectly shaped, and so perfectly situated in relation to its subject, who in this case looks very much like a seer to me!
2” x 2 1/2”, in original gold foil frame. The front pane of glass (between the foil frame and foil wrap) is cracked along the bottom, held stable by the wrap; the image is in overall good condition.
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