Vintage Oval Woman's Portrait in Red Bachrach Presentation Case

This red Bachrach presentation case opens to reveal a woman’s oval portrait in a removable gold-colored hanging frame. Founded in Baltimore in 1868, the Bachrach studio became known for carefully lit formal portraits of presidents, performers and private sitters alike. The case reflects the importance of a finished portrait as an object to present, display and keep, beyond the photographic sitting itself.

A studio portrait was shaped through a sitting, the photographer’s choices of pose and lighting, and a finished print selected for presentation. The double doors protect the portrait when closed and frame it when opened. The portrait and case remain together, giving this small image more presence than a loose print.

Year Made: Circa 1940s–1950s
Materials: Portrait image, glass, gold-colored metal frame, fabric-lined presentation case
Dimensions: Oval frame 3¼" H × 2½" W; case center panel 5½" H × 4½" W; full open width not verified

Condition: The red case shows surface wear. Age-related marks are visible on the portrait and frame.