Ambrotypes are a type of early photograph created on glass plates. Invented in the 1850s, this process involves coating a glass plate with a light-sensitive emulsion, exposing it in a camera, and then developing the image. The result is a positive image that appears as a dark picture against a light background. These images were popular in the mid-19th century due to their affordability and the unique aesthetic they offered. Unlike daguerreotypes, which were made on metal plates, ambrotypes provided a softer, more detailed appearance. They were often framed and cherished as personal keepsakes.