Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

Winter Photographic History Auction

Sat, Jan 25, 2025 01:00PM EST
Lot 206

Tintype of a Couple with Minstrel Imagery

Estimate: $100 - $200

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
A notable ninth plate tintype featuring a couple, with the woman dressed in theatrical costume, indicative of minstrel imagery from the mid-19th century. The man, formally attired in a dark suit and bow tie, stands alongside her in a composed pose. The woman’s elaborate outfit, complete with patterned layers and a headdress, emphasizes the theatrical or performative nature of the portrait. This image serves as an important historical artifact, offering a lens into 19th-century theatrical traditions and social history. It is a rare and thought-provoking piece for collectors of early photography, minstrel show ephemera, and cultural Americana.

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