Tintype of a Young Boy in Velvet

Photograph

Tintype of a Young Boy in Velvet

ca. 1860s

This studio portrait shows a young boy leaning on a table, hands folded across his stomach. His outfit appears to be made from velvet fabric edged with ribbon. The jacket has a small turn-down collar buttoning up the front, and additional buttons on each sleeve cuff. The short trousers close just below the knee and appear to have a ruffle at the bottom. The white stockings show above the high button boots with patent leather toes. Although the photograph was taken inside a studio, the boy wears a cap set at a jaunty angle and probably made from velvet to match the rest of the outfit.

Tintypes were developed in 1856, remaining popular until the late 1860s. Photographers often used pigment to tint the metal, as we see in this young boy's cheeks.

Donor: Anonymous

URI 2019.98.02

Haley Fanara
Susan J. Jerome