These images are of the recently purchased whole plate ambrotype depicting the Whaleship Saratoga (#2008.12), April 1856. The reproduction on the left is both dark and difficult see, much like the original. The reproduction on the right was created by removing the ambrotype’s wet plate collodian negative from its original frame and placing it on a scanner. Adjustments were made to lighten the image, making it more visible.
Our upcoming issue of Bulletin from Johnny Cake Hill will include a short article on this ambrotype as compared to our Benjamin Tucker ambrotype.