Trimmed sixth plate uncased tintype. N.p.: n.p., ca. 1880s–1890s.

This wonderfully candid portrait captures an affectionate African American duo, seemingly a father and daughter, seated together in a studio setting. The man, with his arm draped warmly over the young woman's shoulder, is attired in a striped short-sleeved bathing suit with knee trunks, bare feet, and feet resting atop a rustic wooden log prop. The young woman wears a coordinating dark bathing costume trimmed with white nautical stripes along the bodice and hem, paired with dark stockings and low shoes. Painted on the scenic studio backdrop behind them is an ocean seascape complete with gentle surf and a distant sailboat.

Photographs documenting 19th-century African American leisure and recreation, and with complete period bathing costumes, represent an exceptionally rare visual subgenre.

[African Americana, Black Americana, Tintype, Ferrotype, Sixth Plate, Victorian Bathing Suits, Swimwear, Seaside Resort, Victorian Leisure, Couples Portrait, African American Couples, 19th Century Photography, Late 19th Century]

Very good condition. The plate retains rich contrast and sharp focus. We note only minimal surface wear, typical of uncased tintypes.