Portrait of James Read [or possibly Reid], ca. 1861 / photograph attributed to William Hetzer
Portrait of James Read [or possibly Reid], ca. 1861 / photograph attributed to William Hetzer
About this item
Full title
Author / Creator
Date
ca. 1861
Call Numbers
ML 1427
Record Identifier
Reference Code
Formats
Pictures and Photographs
Physical Description
Contents
1 photographic print - 37.5 x 28 cm visible image, inside frame 62.2 x 53 cm - ambrotype, hand-coloured, in its original rosewood veneer frame
Other Descriptions
Level of description
Collection
Access and use
Copying Conditions
Out of copyright : Artist died before 1955
Physical Access Conditions
Access to this pictures collection via appointment only. Please submit your request through Ask a Librarian
Subjects
More information
Scope and Contents
Contents
This portrait is of James Read, the founding Grand Master of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, in his regalia.
Unusually, the subject has been photographed full length, with his British Odd Fellow’s regalia, including crown. Few portraits from this period show the subject with their work clothes or tools of their profession.
Before comin...
Alternative Titles
Full title
Portrait of James Read [or possibly Reid], ca. 1861 / photograph attributed to William Hetzer
Authors, Artists and Contributors
Author / Creator
Notes
General note
This ambrotype is notable for its very large size and is the largest in Australia. Most ambrotypes measure less than 10 x 8 cm; very few reach a quarter of the size of this image.
Reference:
Library correspondence file
Attributions / Conjectures
This ambrotype is attributed to Sydney photographer William Hetzer for the following reasons.
1. The carpet on the studio floor matches other examples taken at Hetzer’s studio.
2. The ambrotype measures 16 x 12 inches; Hetzer acquired a new camera using 16 inch plates in late 1860 (see Sydney Morning Herald, 10 Nov 1860)
3. It is known tha...
Contextual Information
Source
Donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program by Australian Unity Limited
Collection history
The portrait remained in the possession of the Odd Fellows.
Reference:
Library correspondence file
Identifiers
Primary Identifiers
Call Numbers
ML 1427
Record Identifier
YEGmK7qn
Permalink
https://devfeature-collection.sl.nsw.gov.au/record/YEGmK7qn
Other Identifiers
Reference code
867219
How to access this item
For use in the Library
Enquire with staff in the reading room or enquire online using Ask a Librarian.
For more information see How to use Special Collections.
