Brilliant quarter-plate over-painted English ambrotype of a young boy with his pull toy horse.  Identified with a gold gilded stamp on the back of the full case to Eastham’s Photographic Portrait Gallery, 7 Market St. Manchester. This would be the studio for Silas Eastham who was one of three brothers. John was probably the most noted of the photographers having done a calotype of Roger Fenton. The brothers both worked in Manchester but at different locations. This outstanding overlay of rich blue paint in the background is quite impressive. It certainly gives the unique appearance that the boy and the horse are an actual cut-out that has been placed on top of the glass. To make this even more unusual is this was photographed on a purple glass which is seldom seen with English ambrotypes. It had to be extremely difficult to overpaint the background around the details on the darker glass plate in order to create a relievo ambrotype effect. The cute bright eyed boy is obviously quite proud of his toy horse and this was surely a keepsake for his children in the future. We can see the horse was mounted on a board with wheels which oddly resembles a skateboard!  The image is in very good condition with great tones and contrast.  It didn’t have a cover glass when purchased so there are some marks in the background at the top which are mostly seen at an angle in light.  There is also a small mat rub of the blue paint as seen on the top left perimeter. We have added a cover glass for future production along with an archival paper backing and an archival seal. A dynamic artistic piece that will bring a smile to your face! 
$150