Despite the obvious condition of this image, we're offering it because it's so precious and such a unique pose.

The women in this tinted daguerreotype hold hands and look directly at the camera. One also has her arm around the other. The woman at left is sharp, the woman at right is in soft focus. They look like sisters, or perhaps mother and daughter. They have similar facial features, and similar or matching dresses. They each wear gold jewelry.

What elevates this daguerreotype is the overlay of the prints of their dresses, the clasped hands at left, and the parallel hands at right. These women are close.

SIZE. Quarter plate.

HOUSING. Split case.

CONDITION. Wipes, scratches, and discoloration. Poor condition.

APPEARANCE. Exceptionally beautiful posing and composition. Despite the condition, this is a gorgeous portrait.