Other than Charles Eisenmann, Frank Wendt was the most well-known freak and dime museum photographer of the 19th Century. Wendt was Charles Eisenmann’s protege, successor and son-in-law, taking over his father-in-law’s business in 1893 at 229 Bowery in New York City. Wendt cabinet cards have been seen with dates as late as 1913.
Many of Wendt’s photographs show great skill and understanding of portrait taking, however his patented “Ivory Process” of developing his prints caused many of his works to fade over time. A high percentage of Wendt’s photos we see today have lost contrast, developed a greenish hue, and/or dimmed to the point where they have been ruined by the passage of time.
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