Full Plate Ambrotype of G.W. Dodge by Charles Hawes
InformationFull Plate Ambrotype of seaman George W. Dodge in his American Sailor dress holding an ebony octant with his telescope on a table top to his left, American, circa 1856. The image is extremely crisp and there is some hand-coloring on his checks. The photograph was taken by the New Bedford photographer Charles Ebenzer Hawes (1816-1897) who was in partnership with Albert Francis Hawes (1821-1897). (PH-435)
Note 1: George W. Dodge age and birthdate unknown was a green-hand on the ship Arnolda of New Bedford was captained by Captain Richard D. Wood 1848-52. Dodge was also either 4th mate or steward on the New Bedford Whaler Gay Head 1852-56. It is likely this picture was taken in New Bedford after he returned from this voyage. The ambrotype retains its original mat and gold leaf frame. The frame has a stepped liner and the outer frame is beautifully carved with a leaf and acorn pattern.
***Information in this description is the courtesy of Dr. Stuart Frank.
Note 2: There are a few daguerreotypes and ambrotypes by Charles Hawes in the collection of the Bedford Whaling Museum including one of an unidentified seaman. Most of the known images are sixth plates and there are some later cabinet cards that bear the photographers name and New Bedford address of 68 Purchase Street.
Condition: The ambrotype is in extremely fine untouched condition and the frame has a deep mellow original finish as well.
Information in this description is the courtesy of Dr. Stuart Frank.
Dimensions of Image Sight: Height 7 1/4, Width 5 1/2, Inches
Dimensions of Mat Sight: Height 8 1/4, Width 6 1/4, Inches
Dimensions of Frame: Height 13 1/2, Width 11 1/2, Inches
Exhibited at the Cahoon Museum Scrimshaw Exhibition titled “Scrimshaw the Whaler’s Art” June 29 - October 30, 2022.
Reference: This item is illustrated and described on page 131 of the book Wandering Whaleman and Their Art: A Collection of Scrimshaw Masterpieces by Alan Granby, Published by Alan Granby 2022.
circa 1856
