UNIQUE BLACK AFRICAN AMERICAN 1880s CABINET CARD PHOTO PORTLAND MAINE

Description

ANTIQUE CABINET CARD PHOTOGRAPH OF A MAN'S FACE AS THE CENTER OF A FLOWER. This is a tough read, and quite an enigma. This is photographic, but is it a photograph of a photograph or a photo of artwork? Or is the man simply standing behind a cardboard cut out of a flower?
The young man’s hairstyle is au naturel. He’s smiling broadly, but just as George Washington had bad teeth, so does this fellow.
PHOTOGRAPHER. On front, at bottom of mount: "Hearn Portland, Me." Backmark: "C.W. Hearn 514 Congress St Portland, Me."
NOTE THE WONDERFUL GRAPHICS ON THE BACK!
SIZE. Approximately 6 1/2 x 4 1/4 inches.
CONDITION. Photo: Flower petals have foxing, other spots, and some soiling. Background has dark spots and splotches, as well as discoloration. Light colored semi-circular mark at lower right appears to be in the processing or negative. Mount: Front has tiny spots and light soiling. Back has tiny spots, light soiling, wear at top corners, and light wear at bottom corners.
APPEARANCE. Very good tones. Sharp face. Bright white flower. As mentioned above, wonderful graphics on the back.