Tintype man with beard Victorian era. 1870. Metal photography.

Tintype representing a bearded man from the Victorian era.
Notice the piercing gaze as well as the face enhanced with a slight pinkish tint.
Good condition although the plate has some slight scratches and the corners are not at right angles (see photos).
Around 1860-1870.
8.2 x 5.5cm

The Ferrotype process was developed by the Frenchman Adolphe Alexandre Martin (1824-1896) who was looking for a process to improve the work of engraving on plates for printers.
Like the ambrotype, the tintype uses a photosensitive collodion base. This is spread on a 0.15 mm thick iron plate which has been previously covered with black varnish.
Simple, fast, inexpensive, the Ferrotype was a huge commercial success and lasted until the eve of the Second World War in Europe.
Like other types of black and white images, Tintypes can be enhanced with colors applied with a brush by artisan photographers.


If you have any questions do not hesitate.