Anonymous, American Portrait of a Young African American Nanny and her White Charge Price $1,500 Ref.# 11519 Medium Relievo Ambrotype,1/6 plate Photo Date 1855-60 Dimensions 3.5 x 3 in. (89 x 76 mm) Photo Country United States (USA) Photographer Country United States (USA) Contact Charles Schwartz Email cms@cs-photo.com Phone 1-212-534-4496 Company Additional Images ![]() |
About This ImageA young black woman, possibly a slave, holds a white baby in her arms. Relievo ambrotypes have a 3-dimensional quality, where the subject stands out in relief against the background. This technique was introduced by a Glasgow photographer named Urie in 1854. An ambrotype was made in the usual way, but only the subject matter was varnished black (on the back side), and the whole background was carefully scraped away. Behind the picture was placed a piece of glass backed by white card. The photograph, being not quite in contact with the backing, cast a slight shadow on it, causing the figure to stand out in relief. The relievo technique was rather uncommon. Photo studios might have used this process in order to distinguish themselves from the competition, or offer a more unique product. Please contact the gallery for a quote on shipping and insurance costs. If applicable, residents of New York will be charged sales tax. International clients will be responsible for their VAT. Please note that we do not ship internationally on items under $1,000. ![]() ![]() |
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