A ninth plate ambrotype captures the striking portrait of a young African American woman, posed in a beautifully patterned dress and adorned with a bonnet. Her serene expression and poised demeanor are elegantly preserved in this 19th-century photographic technique. The ambrotype detailed clarity highlights her attire and the subtle jewelry she wears, offering a glimpse into the fashion and personal presentation of the era.

What makes this piece particularly special is the provenance associated with it. The consignor originally had a strip of paper identifying the young woman as "Mary Bowman, age 16," as evidenced by the scan included here. Unfortunately, the original strip was misplaced after the scan, but its existence adds a layer of historical significance to the image, offering a personal connection to the past.

This ambrotype, housed in a classic ornate case, is an exceptional artifact that not only showcases the photographic techniques of the time but also provides a rare, personal insight into the life of a young African American woman in the 19th century.