Antique Edwardian Hand-Tinted Opalotype Portrait - Young Gentleman (1917)

Item Overview:
This is a beautiful and rare example of an early 20th-century Opalotype (a photograph printed on opaque milk glass). The portrait features a young gentleman in formal Edwardian attire, including a high stiff collar and bowtie. The image has been delicately hand-tinted, adding lifelike color to the cheeks and clothing.

The Frame:
The portrait is housed in its original, highly ornate Gothic Revival / Stepped "Tramp Art" style frame. This architectural frame features multi-layered "stepped" corners and intricate pressed-metal or gesso detailing, which was very popular in the late Victorian and Edwardian eras.

Key Details:

- Medium: Opalotype (Photograph on Milk Glass) with Hand-Tinting.
- Era: Edwardian / Early 20th Century.
- Date: Hand-inscribed "1917" on the reverse of the glass plate.
- Subject: Formal male portrait.
- Frame Style: Gothic Revival / Architectural Stepped Frame.

Dimensions (Approx):

- Frame Size: 12.5" x 10.5" (approx. 32cm x 27cm).
- Visible Image Size: Oval aperture, approx. 5.5" x 4".

Condition Report:

- Image: The opalotype itself is in excellent condition for its age. The colors remain subtle and the glass plate is intact.
- Frame: This is a genuine antique and shows significant age-related wear. As shown in the detailed photos, there is "gesso" loss and chipping to the decorative moulding, particularly on the left-hand side and corners. This adds a wonderful "shabby chic" or authentic weathered character to the piece.
- Reverse: Original wooden backing board is present with wire for hanging.

Shipping & Packaging:
Please Note: Because the image is on a sheet of glass, this item is extremely fragile. I will package this with professional care, using multiple layers of heavy-duty bubble wrap and a rigid cardboard box to ensure it arrives