Ambrotype of Seated Woman

This ambrotype is enclosed in a miniature book measuring only three by four inches. To prevent early photographs from deteriorating, photographers came up with this method of encasing the image that kept them out of direct sunlight and regulated against high temperatures.

The woman wears a silk dress decorated with satin and moire stripes. The dress has full sleeves with undersleeves that taper down around the wrists with added lace and white trim on the cuff. Around the neckline is a hand- embroidered collar with a miniature brooch at the center.

The individual is sitting down in a chair allowing her skirt to spread out. Over the course of the century women's skirts became fuller with the help of petticoats and hoops. The waistline of appears to be right above the natural waist.

Hair could be styled in a few very popular different ways, using the natural color hair. As seen in the image, the sitter’s dark-colored hair is arranged in an elegant chignon style also known as a loop style over the ears. 

References

Clark, Gary. Dating Ambrotype Photographs, http://www.phototree.com/id_amb.htm.

Heichelbech, Rose. “The Evolution of Ladies' Hemlines over the Past 2 Centuries.” Dusty Old Thing, 3 May 2021, https://dustyoldthing.com/evolution-of-ladies-hemlines/.

Lisa Lisson. “How to Identify 5 Types of Old Photographs.” Are You My Cousin?, 21 Dec. 2021, https://lisalisson.com/5-types-of-old-photographs/.

“Milestones in Photography -- National Geographic.” Photography, National Geographic, 3 May 2021, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/photography/article/milestones-photography#:~:text=World's %20First%20Photograph-,Centuries%20of%20advances%20in%20chemistry%20and%20optics%2C%20including%20the%20invention,at%20his%20family's%20country%20home.

Moore, Author Olivia. “1800s Hairstyles: Inspiration & Style Guide.” You Probably Need a Haircut, 20 Aug. 2022, https://youprobablyneedahaircut.com/1800s-hairstyles/.

Plante, Amy. “The History of Cameo Jewelry.” Market Square Jewelers, Market Square Jewelers, 19 Feb. 2019, https://www.marketsquarejewelers.com/blogs/msj-handbook/the-history-of-cameo-jewelry.