CLOSE-KNIT COUPLE HOLDING DAGUERREOTYPE OF A WOMAN
DAGUERREOTYPE $750. USD
The man has his arm around the woman, resting his hand on her shoulder. She has a hand on his leg, which is something we don't normally see in 19th century photographs.
They hold a daguerreotype of a woman. He holds the case open, while the portrait rests on her arm. It appears that the two women are wearing dresses of the same style and pattern.
It may be that the woman is showing off a likeness of herself. Perhaps the held daguerreotype is of a sister or other close relative. It may be someone who has passed away, indicating the couple is grieving.
SIZE. Sixth plate.
HOUSING. Split 1840s leather case.
CONDITION. Applied color to half of his shirt and the cuff of his sleeve. The blue on the other half of the shirt is from solarization (when a white portion is over-exposed and creates blue). I look at the blue as fortuitous. Blemish in her hair. Light mat abrasions. Light scratches. Old glass replaced with high- quality, hand-cut, Conservation Clear glass by Derek French. Resealed.
APPEARANCE. Very good contrast. Excellent use of space. Excellent posing and body language. Intriguing couple. Great content.