Lot 29

Portrait of California gent by J.D. Vance
$350

Intense sixth-plate ambrotype of a prominent California gentleman, with the photographer identified with a velvet mat stamp for the well-known Robert H. Vance. The detail of this ambrotype is striking, with the gentleman’s steely eyes and dark, shiny, curly hair. He was certainly serious about life as we witness with this portrait. We wish he was identified as he seems important to the times and this was previously part of the Applewhite-Clark Collection. The image is in beautiful condition with strong tones and contrast and some tinting to the sitter’s face and lips. The plates are still sealed and we have left this intact. We assume it is a Cuttings patent but it is not marked. The black backing has some crazing with a few small touch-ups. The case is like new with a lovely pattern that looks like a ships wheel. It has a hint of a slight warp on the top right rail as the closure is a hint tight.