The seller I bought this tintype from was interested in outlaws, and suggested that the young man here is a young Abe Saunders, known for his associations with Billy the Kid et al. But while I kind of like to imagine that the subtle sneer and hand on hip attitude here foreshadowed life as a full blown gangster, that was not my attraction to or interest in this tintype; rather, just what a beautiful boy and poetic, painterly feeling portrait. Between his paper hat, apron, and stain/paint spattered pants, certainly it is an occupational photo of sorts, but the way he wears his attire (chest exposed, hat reading like a make-shift crown) makes it feel much richer and more intimate than that. With painted backdrop that feels rather at odds but also somehow just right.
3 3/4" x 2 1/2". Good condition, with some light surface scratching more on the lower half but no notable dings or bends.
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