Vintage Relief Carving of Melancholic Looking Young Man four up tintype and what a happy thing

and what a happy thing that it has endured

The bowl measures 3 3/4" tall x 5 1/2" at widest diameter

condition is consistent with age -- some discolouration

which seems not to suit her at all

Vintage Relief Carving of Melancholic Looking Young Man four up tintype and what a happy thingNot an especially skillful carving, but it's one I'd be inclined to have an ongoing conversation with, encouraging this young fellow to cheer up a bit! I've got a bit of a weakness for what might be described as portraits of the artist as a young man (or young woman!) and would venture to guess this was indeed a self portrait, maybe carved in art class, capturing its maker in a moment of youthful angst. 9 3 4" x 7 5 8" x 5 8" thick, with a dark stain