
The relaxed trio. Private Collection.
I could find much information about Frank Newell Libby, thanks to his name and birthdate affixed to the back of this 1/6th plate tintype.

The relaxed trio. Private Collection.
I could find much information about Frank Newell Libby, thanks to his name and birthdate affixed to the back of this 1/6th plate tintype.

1/6th plate tintype. Private Collection
1/6th plate tintype of a well dressed blonde boy with the stern expression. The contrast between the light and dark gives it a haunting, surreal quality.
Having your picture taken was an event, and the pose gives this child an expression of gravity well beyond his years. It wasn’t uncommon for children to pose like mini adults. This is a great example of the practice. A beautiful tintype.

Tintype. Private Collection.
Here’s another tintype I acquired. What is your opinion?I say there is not a single lady on this particular one. However, I could be wrong. I will state why I think the two women looking subjects in front are in fact male. You can click on the second photo for a large detail and tell me your own opinion.

Artistic portrait. 1/6th plate Tintype. Private Collection.
Around the 1880s some tintype photographers became more artistic with poses, and the backgrounds could be busy with many artifacts like tree branches made to look like trees or fences, etc…and in this case, reed.