Painted Photograph

A compelling albumen photograph painted to highlight the youthful face, hands and neck of a 19th century woman. Light ruffles around the neck and wrists also highlight her jewelry as well as her rather severe long sleeved, high neck dark dress. Something about the image evokes Nathaniel Hawthorne. The 6.5 by 8 inch albumen print is attached to a 7 by 8.5 hard board that has darkened and dried with age. The photograph may have been heavily painted with oils. Condition: since the paint is of uneven thickness it creates both a shimmery effect in good light as well as a sheen in a scan that creates the effect of fading. The board does show chipping along the edges slightly affecting the upper and lower corners of the photograph; tape residue on verso.