ca. 1843, [Self-portrait daguerreotype of Robert Cornelius with laboratory instruments], Robert Cornelius via the George Eastman House Collection, Still Image Archive

ca. 1843, [Self-portrait daguerreotype of Robert Cornelius with laboratory instruments], Robert Cornelius

via the George Eastman House Collection, Still Image Archive

ca. 1854, [ambrotype portrait of a yawning man] via George Eastman House, Donald Weber Collection on Flickr

ca. 1854, [ambrotype portrait of a yawning man]

via George Eastman House, Donald Weber Collection on Flickr

ca. 1843, [Self-portrait of Robert Cornelius with laboratory instruments], Robert Cornelius via the George Eastman House Collection, Still Image Archive

ca. 1843, [Self-portrait of Robert Cornelius with laboratory instruments], Robert Cornelius

via the George Eastman House Collection, Still Image Archive

ca. 1885, [tintype portrait of two women fencing] via the George Eastman House Collection, Still Image Archive

ca. 1885, [tintype portrait of two women fencing]

via the George Eastman House Collection, Still Image Archive

ca. 1850, [daguerreotype, still life with a skull], L. Jules Duboscq-Soleil via the George Eastman House Collection, Still Photograph Archive

ca. 1850, [daguerreotype, still life with a skull], L. Jules Duboscq-Soleil

via the George Eastman House Collection, Still Photograph Archive

ca. 1852, [daguerreotype portrait of a chemist at work in his apothecary] via the George Eastman House Collection, Still Image Archive

ca. 1852, [daguerreotype portrait of a chemist at work in his apothecary]

via the George Eastman House Collection, Still Image Archive

ca. 1870, [tintype portrait of a woman admiring framed tintypes] via the George Eastman House Collection, Still Photograph Archive

ca. 1870, [tintype portrait of a woman admiring framed tintypes]

via the George Eastman House Collection, Still Photograph Archive

ca. 1850, [daguerreotype portrait of a blind gentleman holding a cat] via the George Eastman House Collection, Still Photograph Archive

ca. 1850, [daguerreotype portrait of a blind gentleman holding a cat]

via the George Eastman House Collection, Still Photograph Archive

ca. 1850’s, [daguerreotype portrait of a young girl holding a doll and an anonymous hand], Charles Evans via the George Eastman House Collection, Still Photograph Archive

ca. 1850’s, [daguerreotype portrait of a young girl holding a doll and an anonymous hand], Charles Evans

via the George Eastman House Collection, Still Photograph Archive

"Until the handkerchief of history covers us with its Times New Roman black and white post script..."

This blog is a collection of vernacular photography and ephemera focused mainly within the curious and often misunderstood realm of 19th century America. I have a soft spot for all things silly, antiquated, macabre, and grotesque. The content is from a variety of collections; public, academic, and private. In addition, there's an occasional emphasis on Ulysses S Grant and the Civil War, as well.

About - Archive - F.A.Q. - Photo Guide - Sourcing - Inquiries

Browse by Photograph Type: Tintypes, Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Carte de visites, Albumen prints, Cabinet cards, Silver prints

Popular Tags: Black history, Medicine, Emotive, Post Mortem, Occupational, Civil War, The Original Hipsters, Spirit photography, Circus, Sideshow

Additional Tags: Children, Pets, Dogs, Painted backdrop, Photo-manipulation, Cross-dressing, Hidden mother, Couples, Women, Advertising, Hand-tinted, Erotic, Studio, Firemen, Science, Facial hair, Eyes, Religion, Beard, Fashion, Music, Trick photography, Photographic History, Guns, Weapons, Beer, Wine, Instruments, Lookout Mountain, Ulysses S. Grant

My Other Blogs & Websites: Heck Yes, Americana - Fuck Yeah, American Art - Decorative Indulgences - Frowzy Indulgences - Etsy