Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

Winter Photographic History Auction

Sat, Jan 25, 2025 01:00PM EST
Lot 207

Tintype of Young Boys of The Theater in Oversized Jackets

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 sixth plate tintype featuring two young boys dressed in oversized jackets, a practice tied to 19th-century minstrel traditions. The boys’ playful demeanor, exaggerated costumes, and seated pose suggest participation in a theatrical or informal performance. The composition reflects the cultural context of the time, when minstrel imagery was a pervasive form of entertainment. This piece, though unsettling in modern contexts, is a valuable artifact for collectors of early photography, theatrical history, and cultural Americana, offering insight into the complex and evolving societal attitudes of the 19th century.

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