Photographic Print

This photographic print is a copy of a mezzotint by James Tissot, entitled 'L'Apparition Mediunimique' (The Apparition). The photograph is mounted on card in the cabinet format and bears handwritten text on the front and back of the mount. The text was written by the owner of the photograph, Mary Burchett, and contains a reference to the medium William Eglinton. The card also bears a pentacle and the numerals II on the reverse.

The photograph is an unusual example of spirit photography. While most spirit photographs claim to show ghostly apparitions, this particular photograph is reported to have been carried by a ghostly messenger. The note by Burchett describes this process as a 'materialisation', and this refers to Eglinton's apparent ability to use spirit messengers to transfer small objects across the world. The name 'Ernest' is written on the reverse of the photograph, and this refers to the spirit guide who was used in this instance.

The subject of the photograph is also significant. Tissot was inspired to produce the print of 'L'Apparition Mediunimique' after attending several seances held by Eglinton. The print shows two of Eglinton's spirit guides: the figure on the left is believed to be Ernest. The print proved especially popular with followers of spiritualism and was widely circulated in the late 1800s.