Here we have a unusual tintype of a pair of gents, one of which is holding his hand inside his waist coat, which is also known as a Napoleonic pose (see official details below). To commoners like me, it means you're the Big Boss. Even if you're as dumpy as the night is long, stick your hand in your coat, and the "B" gets capitalized. BOSS.
Here is the intro from the
Wikipedia page about the history of Napoleonic poses:
"The hand-in-waistcoat (also referred to as hand-inside-vest, hand-in-jacket, hand-held-in, or hidden hand) is a gesture commonly found in portraiture during the 18th and 19th centuries. The pose appeared by the 1750s to indicate leadership in a calm and firm manner. The pose is most often associated with Napoleon I of France due to its use in several portraits made by his artist, Jacques-Louis David, amongst them the 1812 painting Napoleon in His Study. The pose, thought of as being stately, was copied by other portrait painters across Europe and America. Most paintings and photographs show the right hand inserted into the waistcoat/jacket, but some sitters appear with the left hand inserted. The pose was also often seen in mid-nineteenth century photography."
The rare antique photograph comes out of a Wisconsin estate containing some very rare and unusual photography. My guess is the rare tintype came out of the 1880s.
The unusual tintype photograph measures about 3 1/4" tall, and just over 2" wide. There is wear throughout the tintype. However, the sharpness of the image really pops and breaks through all of it. Please see all pics as they are part of the description.
I ship FedEx to street addresses in the continental USA only (no PO boxes). The rare tintype will be shipping housed in a hard sleeve. Free shipping on the unusual 19th century photograph.
Here's all the evidence you need that Napoleon complexes were alive and well in 19th century.
