Untitled (Portrait of Two Girls)

Art Historical Context

Nestled in the Photography and Media department of the Institute of Chicago, *Untitled (Portrait of Two)* (1865) is a delicate ambrotype—a pioneering photographic process from the mid-19 century. Created by an unknown maker, this intimate portrait captures two young girls gazing directly at the viewer, their expressions poised and earnest. Measuring just 8.2 × 6.9 cm, the glass plate is housed in an ornate case (9.3 × 8 × 1.9 cm when closed), typical for ambrotypes, which were often carried as personal treasures or displayed on parlor tables. Ambrotypes, popular from the 1850s to 1860s, involved coating glass with collodion, exposing it as a negative, and backing it with black velvet or paint to create a unique positive image. Affordable and detailed, they democratized portraiture during the Civil War era, allowing families to preserve loved ones amid uncertainty. This example, from 1865—the year the war ended—reflects the era's fashion, with the girls' elaborate dresses and styled hair evoking Victorian domesticity. Though the subjects remain anonymous, the work's cultural significance lies in its glimpse into everyday 19th-century life. Small yet striking, it highlights photography's shift from elite novelty to cherished family record, inviting us to ponder their stories across time.