Ambrotype Photograph, John D. McCabe

 
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Ambrotype, John D. McCabe
Ambrotype Photograph, John D. McCabe
Ambrotype, John D. McCabe
Ambrotype, John D. McCabe

Ambrotype Photograph, John D. McCabe

Object number2008.267.01
Dateca 1865
Mediumglass, wood, ink, leather
Dimensions4 3/4 x 7 3/4 in. (12.1 x 19.7 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum Collection
Terms
  • Ambrotype
  • Ambrotype
DescriptionAmbrotype photograph encased in bi-fold black leather-bound case, held together with modern scotch tape. The case is covered in worn black leather with gilt swag decoration along edges and an embossed floral design on both front and back. The front edge is held closed by two small metal hooks. The interior of the case features the image of McCabe under glass on the right and decorative fabric lining on the left, both bordered with the same gold swag decoration on the outer cover. A small (1.5 x 3.5 inches) modern white label is adhered to the fabric with brief biographic details and a short hand-written inscription. The writing is most illegible, but may be read as "Grandfather B.C. M..." Pictured in the ambrotype is a young confederate officer, seated and holding a sword in his left hand with the hilt resting on his right elbow. The image has hand-painted gilt decoration on his jacket, cap, and sword.

McCabe was born in 1822 in Virginia. He moved to Clark Co., Arkansas in 1860. He was a Yale graduate who would go on to become a Confederate colonel. When the war broke out, he joined Co. F of the 2nd Arkansas Mounted Rifles. He fought at Wilson's Creek and Pea Ridge and went on to fight in the Trans-Mississippi with the Army of the Tennessee.

Biography of John McCabe in notes field.

The ambrotype is a type of photograph that uses a glass negative with a black background making the image appear positive. Popular during the 1850's and 1860's. Patented by James Ambrose Cutting.
Status
Not on view
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