Lot 208

Tintype of a Black Maid with 5 White Children

Estimate: $200 - $400

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $10
$200 $20
$320 $30
$380 $20
$420 $30
$480 $20
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $200
$3,200 $300
$3,800 $200
$4,200 $300
$4,800 $200
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$32,000 $3,000
$38,000 $2,000
$42,000 $3,000
$48,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
$200,000 $20,000
$320,000 $30,000
$380,000 $20,000
$420,000 $30,000
$480,000 $20,000
$500,000 $50,000
A CDV-sized tintype presents an evocative scene from the late 19th century, featuring a Black African American maid surrounded by five young White children. The image is a striking representation of the social dynamics of the time, capturing the complex relationships between domestic workers and the families they served. The maid, dressed in typical attire of the period, sits calmly with a child on her lap, while the other children are arranged around her, all wearing expressions ranging from curiosity to indifference.

The tintype offers a rare and valuable glimpse into the lives of African American women who worked as domestic servants during this era, often forming close bonds with the children they cared for despite the vast social and racial divides. The composition and clarity of the photograph provide an intimate look at this historical period, making it a significant piece for collectors interested in the social history of the United States.

This tintype is an important historical artifact, offering insight into the daily lives and roles of African American women in post-Civil War America. It is a meaningful addition to any collection focused on African American history, domestic life, or 19th-century photography.

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Shipping is free for all buyers with combined purchases of $500 or more. Optional insurance will be charged at $2.00 per $100.

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