The most intriguing portraits are those worn away by the tooth of time, unintended by photographer and sitter alike. The eating away of the emulsion (or similar effects) has led to the most curious metamorphoses, whereby the extent of (literal and metaphorical) alienation has always been my starting point, and whereby the beauty of the image only gained in value. Originally selected for and published by inputparty.nl

All photos from The Library of Congress (loc.gov), most pictures by C.M Bell, unidentified women, between 1873 - 1916, Crucifix is by Mathew B. Brady (between 1844 - 1860)