[Ambrotype]: Portrait of Carrie M. Mercer holding a book

(MERCER, Carrie M.)

Published by (Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, 1860

About this Item

Sixth plate ambrotype of a demure young woman holding a book. Contemporary case. Very slight tinting to the cheeks, a little cloudiness in the image, very good or better, The case is a bit rubbed but stable and both closures are present and operable, overall presentable and very good. A letter found in the case behind the image from Kennett Square, Pennsylvania and dated in 1860, would seem to indicate that the subject is Carrie M. Mercer. In the letter , written to "Friend Baxter", she reveals that she was betrayed by their mutual friend Mr. Lee who married another, indicates her interest in obtaining a husband, and not so subtly asks after Baxter's own marital status. She also gives a lively account of her participation in winter activities in Delaware, particularly horse-drawn sleighing. Our limited research proved unsuccessful in finding out much more about Ms. Mercer, but the letter gives a tantalizing insight into her mindset.

Seller Inventory # 468448

Bibliographic Details

• Title: [Ambrotype]: Portrait of Carrie M. Mercer holding a book
• Publisher: (Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
• Publication Date: 1860
• Binding: Unbound
• Condition: Very Good