AMBROTYPES
THE HISTORY
The ambrotype (from the Greek "ambrotos" meaning "imperishable" or "immortal"), is a positive picture made of a photographic negative on glass backed by a dark surface. Like the daguerreotype, which it replaced, each one is a unique original that cannot be duplicated.
The ambrotype was introduced in the 1850s, during the 1860s it was superseded by the tintype, a similar photograph on thin black-lacquered iron, hard to distinguish from an ambrotype if under glass.
THE STORY
Using original cased Victorian ambrotypes, an added embellished layer changes the context of the photographic portrait. These unnamed portrait subjects are now the protagonists of fairy tales, myths and legends.
FAITH - THE THREE GRACES, Symbolised by a Cross
Victorian glass Ambrotype in original case with embellished layer
7.5 x 12.5 x.5 cm
HOPE - THE THREE GRACES, Symbolised by an Anchor
Victorian glass Ambrotype in original case with embellished layer
7.5 x 12.5 x.5 cm
CHARITY - THE THREE GRACES, Symbolised by a Heart
Victorian glass Ambrotype in original case with embellished layer
7.5 x 12.5 x.5 cm
GRANDMOTHER WHAT BIG EYES YOU HAVE
- From Little Red Riding Hood, author Charles Perrault, published 1697
Victorian glass Ambrotype in original case with embellished layer
12 x 19 x.5cm
MACBETH Double, Double, Toil and Trouble… The Three Witches, Act 1, scene 1. William Shakespeare, date 1606
Victorian glass Ambrotype in original case with embellished layer
9.5 x 16.5 x 5cm
MACBETH Raven’s Claw ....Lady Macbeth, Act 1, scene 5, William Shakespeare, date 1606
Victorian glass Ambrotype in original case with embellished layer
9.5 x 16.5 x 5cm
LADY OF JUSTICE Originates from the Ancient Roman personification of Justice, Lustitia or Justitia. Her symbols are a sword and scales
Victorian glass Ambrotype in original case with embellished layer
10 x 16.5 x .5 cm
LET YOUR HAIR DOWN From Rapunzel, Grimm’s Fairy Tales, published 1812
Victorian glass Ambrotype in original case with embellished layer
7.5 x 12.5 x.5 cm
MIDNIGHT DANCERS From The Twelve Dancing Princesses, Grimm’s Fairy Tales, published 1812
Victorian glass Ambrotype in original case with embellished layer
9.5 x 16.5 x .5 cm
HANSEL From Hansel & Gretel, Grimm’s Fairy Tales, published 1812
Victorian glass Ambrotype in original case with embellished layer
7.5 x 12.5 x.5 cm
GRETEL From Hansel & Gretel, Grimm’s Fairy Tales, published 1812
Victorian glass Ambrotype in original case with embellished layer
7.5 x 12.5 x.5 cm
INFANTA
Las Meninas by Velazquez, date 1656
Victorian glass Ambrotype in original case with embellished layer
7.5 x12.5 x 5cm
THE TEMPTATION OF ADAM - EVE From Book of Genesis, Old Testament
Victorian glass Ambrotype in original case with embellished layer
9.5 x 16.5 x.5cm
THE TEMPTATION OF ADAM
From Book of Genesis, Old Testament
Victorian glass Ambrotype in original case with embellished layer
9.5 x 16.5 x.5cm
SALOME The Head of Saint John the Baptist on a Charger by Andrea Solari, date1460-1524
Victorian glass Ambrotype in original case with embellished layer
12 x 19 x.8cm
SHORN - SAMSON Samson’s strength lay in his hair. From Book of Judges, Old Testament
Victorian glass Ambrotype in original case with embellished layer
9.5 x 16.5 x 5cm
SHORN - DELILAH Samson’s strength lay in his hair. From Book of Judges, Old Testament
Victorian glass Ambrotype in original case with embellished layer
9.5 x 16.5 x 5cm
FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS The title of poem by John Donne, published 1624
Victorian glass Ambrotype in original case with embellished layer
9.5 x 16.5 x .5 cm
CURIOSITY KILLED THE CAT
From Bluebeard, author Charles Perrault published 1697
Victorian tin type in original case with embellished layer
9.5 x 16.5 x .5 cm