When I saw this daguerreotype photo box (c1850), I immediately knew I wanted to paint Professor Snape’s portrait in it. In the mid 1800s, photos were expensive and treasured items… often only one or two images captured of a person in their life (or death.) They were carried in pockets, stored in trunks travelling by carriage or ship. Displayed open on tabletop. But the sentiment of these photo boxes being that you owned one of someone you cared deeply for.
As I painted this portrait, I had one question go through my mind : who would have kept a portrait of Snape?
From the very first meeting, he was the villain, cold and cruel. But as each story unfolded, his actions proved him to be a loyal ally… secretly motivated by love to the last moment of his life. I still cry every time I watch that scene in the films where his true motives were revealed. It was poetic that Harry named his son after him, and that Snape was remembered as a brave man. But oh, what a sad, lonely life Snape lived.
Even now, I cannot answer my question : who would have kept a portrait of Snape?
That unanswered question is why I chose to specifically paint his portrait and keep it in this antique photo box… which once contained a photo of another man, who had family or friends left to desire to keep this small memento of his life. It’s hard to describe the melancholy I felt while painting this portrait and finally putting in the case... but I hope I’ve captured some of that in the painting.
…it is also a small token of my appreciation for the unforgettable Alan Rickman, who beautifully captured this character for many years
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I collected this antique daguerreotype photo (c1860) with the intention of replacing the miniature tin photo with a painted portrait. I was surprised at how it pulled on the heartstrings removing the old photo. These photos were created in a process using iodine-sensitized silvered plate, and mercury vapour. The little photo is incredible to look at, and feels like holding a piece of history in my hands. But like all old photos... without sentimental attachment, it loses its value. Tin type photos are easy to find online, and not many people are interested in photos of other people's family and relatives... often finding them creepy! I hope to find a home for this little tin photo, so will keep it safe till then.
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"Potions Master"
4.5 x 6 cm acrylic on paper
6x3 x 7.5 x 2 cm in antique dagguerotype photo box (c1800s)
Glass dome display included :
High Borosilicate Glass Dome Size: 15.5 x 15 cm / 6.1 x 5.9 inch (H*Dia);
Wood Base Diameter: 17 cm / 6.7 inch;
Overall Height: 16 cm / 6.3 inch
