GALLERY

When an autochrome is inside a diascope viewer, it appears three dimensional. With this particular setup, the autochrome can't be removed.

"Diascopes were typically made to open vertically, with an autochrome positioned in the upper half of the case opposite a reflective mirror installed in the lower half. With the emulsion/dyed starch-bearing side of the plate facing outwards away from the mirror, overhead light can pass through a window in the upper half of the case, travel through the emulsion layer, illuminate the starch layer, and ultimately yield a viewable reflection in the mirror below." (source: William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan website)

"A common way of viewing autochromes was to use a diascope. A frame at the top holds the autochrome plate allowing light from above to pass through the plate and strikes a mirror inside the device. The mirror is shielded from ambient light by cloth side panels. The viewer looks into the diascope and sees the reflection of the illuminated autochrome." (Library of Congress website)

THE PORTRAIT. The autochrome in this diascope viewer features a well-dressed man in a garden.

SIZE. The diascope viewer, when closed, is approximately 7 3/4 x 6 1/16 inches. When open, it is approximately 7 3/4 x 12 1/4 inches. While we cannot measure the actual autochrome, the opening in the mat is approximately 5 1/8 x 3 3/4 inches.

CONDITION AND APPEARANCE IS AS SEEN IN THE SCANS.