Youthful Beard Pulling Incident
Almost more interesting than this one-sixth plate ambrotype itself is – why was it made of a youthful beard pulling incident? The fact that three grinning youths pull each other’s goatees makes me ask even louder – why was it made?
I know people like to have pictures taken of themselves with friends – it is common. So, no doubt these three characters are buddies, in their early twenties, in a photo taken circa 1860.
Some questions are generated:
Were they drunk? Can’t tell. Thankfully, the photographer was not, as the image is in clear focus.
Were they celebrating? Maybe Caleb, or whatever his name was, could finally grow a beard.
Did this trio clown around like this at home? Yes, but the photographer’s studio was the only place to make a record of it.