| |
Isaac A. Rehn
Mascher stereo ambrotype
n.d.
Ambrotype, stereo
Larry Gottheim, Be-hold, Inc
Courtesy of Larry Gottheim - Be-Hold (49 / 36)
LL/18522
A girl stands on a chair beside her father, holding an open case with an image of a woman [the absent mother?] This is in a "Mascher's Improved Stereoscope" viewing case, + plate size, containing a pair of 1/9 plate images. The mat with double oval windows has "Rehn's Ambrotype Pat." at the bottom center. Rehn is one of the most interesting figures in this ambrotype era. He was responsible for patenting the process, along with Cutting, although others had paved the way. He was very active in the spiritualist movement, and the spiritualists connected the luminous process of the ambrotype with spiritualism. They were especially fascinated with his stereoscopic ambrotypes. The viewing panel has very clear gilded lettering for Mascher's patent, with the original lifting tab intact. Lifting the viewing panel exposes a rich gilded advertisement for Rehn's Gallery, "Patent AMBROTYPES & MEZZOGRAPHS, Stereoscopic Ambrotype Pictures, surpassing any thing: for depth, clearness and relief, the Art has yet produced." This is an excellent example of the Mascher case, and the Rehn process used in an outstanding stereoscopic image. The hinged case itself has only some wear on the outside surface. (Larry Gottheim)
| |
LuminousLint 
@LuminousLint