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Mid-19th Century Cased Ambrotype Portrait of a Woman & Child | E. Renard Artiste | Circa 1855 – 1865Historical Context & Origin Region: Likely North America or Europe Material: Collodion photographic image on glass, gilt brass mat, embossed leather-covered case, velvet lining, and metal fittings Period: Mid-19th Century, circa 1855–1865 Description An evocative mid-19th-century cased photographic portrait depicting an adult woman seated beside a young child, likely members of the same family. Both subjects face the camera directly, with the woman dressed in a dark period gown with a broad pale collar and the child wearing a patterned dress. The image is housed behind an oval opening within a richly gilt brass presentation mat, surrounded by a muted red or rose-coloured textile liner. The opposite interior panel is covered in deep green embossed velvet with an elaborate symmetrical foliate and scroll pattern. Particularly noteworthy are the surviving markings associated with the photograph. The gilt mat bears an impressed stamp reading “E. RENARD / ARTISTE.” A second, considerably fainter impressed marking appears to begin “GUERIN…”, although the remaining lettering is presently too indistinct for a secure transcription. Research has not produced sufficient evidence to confidently identify E. Renard or the secondary mark with a particular photographic studio, and they are therefore preserved in the description exactly as observed rather than attributed speculatively. The exterior case is equally decorative, formed with deeply embossed floral and scroll ornament surrounding a central floral composition and finished with a narrow gilt ornamental border. Two small metal closures remain along the opening edge. Most significantly, an old red-bordered handwritten identification label remains affixed to the exterior of the case. After close examination, the inscription appears to read approximately: “Grandmother + mother when 8 years old” The surviving wording strongly suggests that the label was added by a family member to identify the sitters. The label adds an unusually personal layer of family history to an already compelling early photographic object. Features - Most consistent with a quarter-plate ambrotype - Depicts an adult woman and young child - Gilt brass oval presentation mat - Mat impressed “E. RENARD / ARTISTE” - Additional partially legible impressed mark beginning “GUERIN…” - Deep green embossed velvet interior panel - Dark embossed exterior case with floral and foliate decoration - Fine gilt ornamental border surrounding the exterior - Retains original-style metal closures and hardware - Rare surviving handwritten family identification label - Label appears to reference “Grandmother + mother when 8 years old” Cultural Significance Ambrotypes occupy an important transitional position in the history of photography. Introduced during the early 1850s, they provided a faster and less expensive alternative to the daguerreotype while still producing a unique direct-positive portrait. Their affordability helped make professionally produced photographic likenesses available to a much broader section of society. Cased photographs were deeply personal objects, frequently preserved within families as records of parents, children, spouses, and relatives. Surviving examples retaining old handwritten identifications are particularly evocative because they connect the otherwise anonymous faces with evidence of how later generations understood and remembered them. Condition Good antique condition consistent with approximately 160–170 years of age. The case displays expected surface rubbing, edge wear, small losses, abrasions, and deterioration to portions of the gilt decoration. The handwritten identification label shows substantial age toning, fading, staining, and surface wear but remains partially legible. The photograph itself exhibits age-related spotting and surface marks visible in the images. Interior velvet shows expected wear and compression. Metal fittings and closures exhibit age-related oxidation and patination. Dimensions (Approximate) Height: 4.75 in Width: 3.75 in Depth: 0.75 in Age (Approximate) 160–170 years old Provenance Formerly held in a private collection in Massachusetts. Subsequently handled by White’s sales, Middleborough, Massachusetts. Established in 1993, White’s sales is an independent, privately owned Massachusetts sale house specializing in antiques, fine art, decorative arts, and historical material. The firm conducts catalogued estate and collection sales and has served collectors, dealers, galleries, and consignors for more than three decades. Learn More Discover the history and photographic process of the ambrotype through The Museum of Modern Art Explore our Collection of Victorian Artifacts & Historic Relics Mid-19th Century Cased Ambrotype Portrait of a Woman & Child | E. Renard Artiste | Circa 1855 – 1865
Historical Context & Origin
Region: Likely North America or Europe
Material: Collodion photographic image on glass, gilt brass mat, embossed leather-covered case, velvet lining, and metal fittings
Period: Mid-19th Century, circa 1855–1865
Description
An evocative mid-19th-century cased photographic portrait depicting an adult woman seated beside a young child, likely members of the same family. Both subjects face the camera directly, with the woman dressed in a dark period gown with a broad pale collar and the child wearing a patterned dress.
The image is houséd behind an oval opening within a richly gilt brass presentation mat, surrounded by a muted red or rose-coloured textile liner. The opposite interior panel is covered in deep green embossed velvet with an elaborate symmetrical foliate and scroll pattern.
Particularly noteworthy are the surviving markings associated with the photograph. The gilt mat bears an impressed stamp reading “E. RENARD / ARTISTE.” A second, considerably fainter impressed marking appears to begin “GUERIN…”, although the remaining lettering is presently too indistinct for a secure transcription. Research has not produced sufficient evidence to confidently identify E. Renard or the secondary mark with a particular photographic studio, and they are therefore preserved in the description exactly as observed rather than attributed speculatively.
The exterior case is equally decorative, formed with deeply embossed floral and scroll ornament surrounding a central floral composition and finished with a narrow gilt ornamental border. Two small metal closures remain along the opening edge.
Most significantly, an old red-bordered handwritten identification label remains affixed to the exterior of the case. After close examination, the inscription appears to read approximately:
“Grandmother + mother when 8 years old”
The surviving wording strongly suggests that the label was added by a family member to identify the sitters. The label adds an unusually personal layer of family history to an already compelling early photographic object.
Features
- Most consistent with a quarter-plate ambrotype
- Depicts an adult woman and young child
- Gilt brass oval presentation mat
- Mat impressed “E. RENARD / ARTISTE”
- Additional partially legible impressed mark beginning “GUERIN…”
- Deep green embossed velvet interior panel
- Dark embossed exterior case with floral and foliate decoration
- Fine gilt ornamental border surrounding the exterior
- Retains original-style metal closures and hardware
- Rare surviving handwritten family identification label
- Label appears to reference “Grandmother + mother when 8 years old”
Cultural Significance
Ambrotypes occupy an important transitional position in the history of photography. Introduced during the early 1850s, they provided a faster and less expensive alternative to the daguerreotype while still producing a unique direct-positive portrait. Their affordability helped make professionally produced photographic likenesses available to a much broader section of society.
Cased photographs were deeply personal objects, frequently preserved within families as records of parents, children, spouses, and relatives. Surviving examples retaining old handwritten identifications are particularly evocative because they connect the otherwise anonymous faces with evidence of how later generations understood and remembered them.
Condition
Good antique condition consistent with approximately 160–170 years of age. The case displays expected surface rubbing, edge wear, small losses, abrasions, and deterioration to portions of the gilt decoration. The handwritten identification label shows substantial age toning, fading, staining, and surface wear but remains partially legible. The photograph itself exhibits age-related spotting and surface marks visible in the images. Interior velvet shows expected wear and compression. Metal fittings and closures exhibit age-related oxidation and patination.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height: 4.75 in
Width: 3.75 in
Depth: 0.75 in
Age (Approximate)
160–170 years old
Provenance
Formerly held in a private collection in Massachusetts.
Subsequently handled by White’s sales, Middleborough, Massachusetts. Established in 1993, White’s sales is an independent, privately owned Massachusetts sale house specializing in antiques, fine art, decorative arts, and historical material. The firm conducts catalogued estate and collection sales and has served collectors, dealers, galleries, and consignors for more than three decades.
Learn More
Discover the history and photographic process of the ambrotype through The Museum of Modern Art
Explore our Collection of Victorian Artifacts & Historic Relics
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