Parenthood, English 1/4-Plate Ambrotype, Circa 1854
The mother in this image also appears to be in mourning. I cannot make out the man's top hat to see if there is a crepe mourning band around it. The baby seems quite intrigued by the camera. The background was tinted to somewhat resemble a sky with clouds, which is a uniquely British affectation.
There is also something very odd that I have noticed about this image. Look at what is supposed to be the woman's right hand. It is huge, almost monsterish. How did this happen? Is it actually her arm or the arm of an assistant male reaching around her? Is it an exposure artifact? Why does it look as if she has a giant male hand?
Parenthood, English 1/4-Plate Ambrotype, Circa 1854
The mother in this image also appears to be in mourning. I cannot make out the man's top hat to see if there is a crepe mourning band around it. The baby seems quite intrigued by the camera. The background was tinted to somewhat resemble a sky with clouds, which is a uniquely British affectation.
There is also something very odd that I have noticed about this image. Look at what is supposed to be the woman's right hand. It is huge, almost monsterish. How did this happen? Is it actually her arm or the arm of an assistant male reaching around her? Is it an exposure artifact? Why does it look as if she has a giant male hand?