Featured Antique painted photo - Mayall, London

I came across this today - the case measures 6.5 x 5.5 inches when closed. While looking at it the glass fell out. I wasn’t intending to take it apart but took the opportunity to grab a few photos before gently easing the frame and glass back in. They have obviously been removed before.

The image has been over painted and is rather lovely. I’m terrified of causing any further damage though since it all feels quite fragile!

There’s a sticker on the back but an initial search hasn’t brought anything up for me. I thought the name was ‘Emma Ryde’ but the ‘R’ in Robinson looks different… any ideas?

 

This woman (a hand colored ambrotype) looks very similar, but there are discrepancies in the associated information -

https://www.portrait.gov.au/portraits/2011.5/margaret-robertson/

There is the possibility that the case your image is in is not original to the painting.

 

@2manybooks Thanks for that. And you’re right it could be that the photo and the case don’t belong together, I hadn’t really considered that. I’ll keep searching ad see if I can find anything relating to the name.

 

Here’s the full image without the frame/glass. The paint is crackled (oil? varnish?) and the original colour was protected under the oval frame. Exposed areas have faded. Does anyone know if Mayall used this kind of technique…? Or perhaps it’s been added to the frame as suggested?

 

Well, you've done an internet search for the photographer and discovered he was renowned for his portraits, including that of Queen Victoria?

Debora

 

You'll find some other of his enhanced photographs here.

https://www.gettyimages.com/search/2/image?phrase=john+jabez+edwin+mayall

Debora

 

Thanks @Debora … I’m familiar with Mayall but not with the techniques he might have used. I love those images on the Getty pages!

 

I should add. Treat your piece gently. His work is in museums. That studio opened in 1852 so your earliest date.

Debora

 

Thanks again. I’m honestly worried to touch it now, after first checking it out! And I don’t want the label to fall off… I’ve put it away and will rely on the photos.