1880s Large Albumen Photograph POMPEII BODY CAST Italy Archaeology MAN W/ SKULL

Description

Original antique large-format albumen photo of the body cast of a victim of the A.D. 79 eruption of Mt. Vesuvius from the Pompeii archaeological site, circa 1886, the image measuring approx. 9-5/8" x 7-3/8" on the original card mount measuring 17" x 14", identified in the negative as having been discovered in 1868, the reverse bearing a printed label, "Human Imprint, Pompeii." A bit of light soiling and slight edge wear to mount (the image completely unaffected; the faults easily matted or framed out), and subtle warping to board (easily flattened in mat and/or frame), otherwise near fine, attractive condition overall, the image free of any external blemishes, the exposure with rich, wide tonal range, the emulsion remaining smooth and free of crazing or degradation.
A striking image of one of the most intimate and immediate discoveries at the Pompeii excavation site, created and preserved by pouring wet plaster into the cavities left by bodies trapped beneath the ash during the eruption. The photo depicts such a figure outdoors on a wooden table in a rather tortured position, the arms upraised with clenched hands, one leg awkwardly bent outward at the knee, the original skull plainly visible.
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