Portrait of a School Teacher and Class

c. 1860

American 19th Century

Associated Names
The image shows a group portrait of twelve people arranged in two rows. The front row consists of seven individuals, while the back row has five. Each person is looking towards the camera. Most of the people in the front row hold books or papers. The individuals have dark hair, styled flat, and are wearing dark, high-collared clothing typical of the era, with patterned, long dresses. One individual in the center front wears a pearl or bead necklace. The background is plain and dark, emphasizing the subjects. The image is bordered in an ornate frame with intricate patterns enhanced by gold detailing.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    ambrotype with applied color

  • Credit Line

    The Ross J. Kelbaugh Collection

  • Dimensions

    image (visible): 6.5 × 8.8 cm (2 9/16 × 3 7/16 in.)
    mat: 8.1 × 10.8 cm (3 3/16 × 4 1/4 in.)
    case (closed): 12 × 9.4 × 2 cm (4 3/4 × 3 11/16 × 13/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2023.146.47


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Ross Kelbaugh, Marriottsville, MD; gift to NGA, 2023.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

by Ross Kelbaugh, top edge of case in black ink on applied sticker: KL016; right edge: G / 2


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