Original sixth plate daguerreotype portrait of a distinguished bearded gentleman dating to the 1850s. He is posed beside a stack of books with one hand resting on the volumes, adding an intellectual element to the composition. His piercing eyes remain exceptionally sharp, while his neatly parted hairstyle, full chin beard with pronounced side whiskers, dark bow tie, waistcoat, and tailored frock coat create a classic mid-19th century appearance. The sitter's unusually large hands are a notable feature of the portrait, likely emphasized by the posing and perspective.
The image is housed behind an attractive early brass mat with an unusual lobed opening and retains its original seals. It is contained in a leather half case with an embossed geometric and floral medallion design and the original brass latch. There is scattered age-related deterioration and tarnish to the image surface, particularly around the outer edges, consistent with the age of the daguerreotype, though the central portrait remains strong with very good contrast and excellent facial detail. A handsome and well-composed mid-century portrait with desirable period presentation. Please see photos.
The image is housed behind an attractive early brass mat with an unusual lobed opening and retains its original seals. It is contained in a leather half case with an embossed geometric and floral medallion design and the original brass latch. There is scattered age-related deterioration and tarnish to the image surface, particularly around the outer edges, consistent with the age of the daguerreotype, though the central portrait remains strong with very good contrast and excellent facial detail. A handsome and well-composed mid-century portrait with desirable period presentation. Please see photos.
