Lot 205

Uncut Tintype Plate of a Black Man

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 remarkable uncut tintype plate presents four distinct portraits of a Black man, captured in the 1860s. The plate, still intact, offers a unique insight into the photographic practices of the era, where multiple exposures were often made on a single sheet before being cut into individual images.

Each portrait showcases the man in formal attire, exuding a sense of dignity and self-possession. His expressions, though subtle, vary slightly across the images, suggesting the photographer's attempt to capture different facets of his personality.

The uncut nature of the plate, combined with the rarity of mid-19th-century African American portraiture, makes this piece an exceptional artifact. The wear and aging visible on the plate add to its historical authenticity and narrative, offering a glimpse into the life and times of the subject.

This tintype plate is not just a photographic relic; it is a powerful testament to the presence and representation of Black individuals during a pivotal era in American history. It would make a significant addition to any collection focused on early photography, African American history, or 19th-century Americana.

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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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