Portrait of a Man with Crossed Hands (Case verso)

Probably created by an itinerant photographer who traveled rural districts in a studio wagon, this likeness was made under makeshift conditions. The light on the face is so strong that the portrait was probably made outdoors, using direct rather than reflected sunlight. The wrinkled cloth backdrop suggests the temporary nature of the setting. Still, it was probably a cherished likeness of its subject, its crisp detail and shimmering surface suggesting that is has been well cared for.