Carte de visite studio portrait photograph.

Presumably taken on Dickens's second reading tour of the United States. Roughly 2 1/4 by 3 3/4 inches. Slightly faded, but a good, clear image, though somewhat grubby and with minor ink spotting, mainly around the subject's arms. Mounted on photographer's card, which has on reverse charming illustration of cherub with palette in hand sitting on book and painting the photographer's details onto board on easel. Traces of previous black-paper mount adhering to reverse (not affecting image), which is docketed in pencil. A tired-looking older Dickens, left hand in pocket, is showily dressed in coat with quilted revers, jacket with velvet revers, velvet waistcoat, tie pin, fob watch, etc.