Quarter-Plate Ambrotype

Quarter-Plate Ambrotype (1855 - 1865), 19th century family portrait, ornate vintage case, 3.25 x 4.25. Developed in 1851 by Frederick Scott Archer, ambrotype, or amphitype, hails from the Greek words "immortal" and "impression." These images were impressed on glass through a variant of the wet plate collodion process. They required shorter exposure times than daguerreotypes and were more affordable to manufacture, two factors which contributed to their rise in popularity before the advent of the carte de visite in the early 1860s.

Featured here is a 19th century family portrait of six women, all clad in similar dresses and lace collars. Bordered with an ornate gold frame, the crystal clear image is encased under glass. A gorgeous red velvet lining adorns the interior of the front cover, which, although mostly separated, remains attached at the bottom of the hinge. Case also bears original latches. 

Moderate separation at the hinge, otherwise fine condition.