Antique Pair of Hand Coloured Portrait Photographs Dated 1856

Pair of mid 19th Century photographic portraits, dated 1856, depicting a formally dressed gentleman and a lady. Both portraits have been artistically enhanced with hand applied colour and painted detail, lending them the appearance of miniature painted portraits while retaining the character of early photography. The gentleman is portrayed wearing formal dark attire with a white shirt and bow tie, while the lady wears a dark green jacket with a high white collar. Both are presented in matching dark stained wooden frames with gilt inner mouldings and decorative applied metal foliage ornaments to the upper edges. The reverse of each portrait bears an artist's signature, adding further interest to this appealing pair. Dating from an important early period in the development of photography, these portraits combine Victorian photographic portraiture with the traditional art of hand colouring. A decorative and collectable pair, ideal for display together or for inclusion in a collection of early photography, Victorian portraiture and antique frames. Portraits are approx: 7.5cm by 6.5cm Frames are 12.5cm by 10.5cm Date: 1856, as dated. Condition: Both display age-related wear to the frames and finishes. Please refer to photographs for a full impression of their condition.