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Museum object · Slavery and Freedom Objects

Ambrotype of a white baby being held by a man

1855-1860

Smithsonian NMAAHC collection

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Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

This 1/9 plate cased ambrotype depicts a white baby being held for the camera by a black man whose shoulder and hands are visible, but is otherwise unseen. The baby's cheeks have been tinted pink. The photograph is in a decorative copper-colored metal oval frame with a floral, star, and scroll motif and is held in a brown case with red textile lining. There are decorative impressions on the front and back of the case, which fastens with a small metal hook and eye closure along one edge.

Sources & collection details

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture — original record ↗

Source collection ↗

Catalog metadata · CC0 · Source checked 2026-10-13

Catalog reference: 2008.9.3

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