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Unidentified Photographer (U.S.)
Woman with Daisies and Spirit
Tintype, Sixth-plate ( 2.75 x 3.25 inches )
circa 1875
This beautifully-executed image is remarkable in several ways. The
posing is dramatic, making the composition compelling for more than
the "special effect" of the ghost. From a technical standpoint, this
is a highly unusual photograph. Tintypes were made directly on a
painted metal plate, without the use of a negative, thus eliminating
the possibility of most forms of darkroom manipulation. In addition,
the image needed to be exposed and developed before the sensitive
coating on the plate had time to dry out. For that reason, the woman
who is being "haunted" must have been a knowing participant in the
production of this picture. She would have been required to hold her
position for an exposure lasting several seconds; part of the way
through that exposure, the shrouded figure would have stepped out of
the frame. |
