[Nine Portraits in Original Passe-Partout] 1880s

This framed collection of nine portraits, titled "[Nine Portraits in Original Passe-Partout]," showcases the work of James William Bailey, a noted artist who specialized in oil-painted photographs. Created in the 1880s, the work exemplifies the Victorian practice of enhancing photographic portraits with vibrant hues. Each portrait, carefully arranged within a gold-embellished frame, reveals the subjects' individual character and style, capturing a glimpse into the lives of individuals from that era. The artwork, currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, provides a fascinating window into the intersection of photography and painting during the 19th century.