Is it by Southworth & Hawes? Or is John Whipple just as likely? There's the purposefully soft focus. There's the emphasis on mid-tones. There's the artistic pose. The composition... the careful vignetting. The masterful use of lighting.

The woman is lovely. A modern note comes with the daguerreotype:
"Cornelis Lansing Fonda
Aunt Georgiana Powers"

SIZE. Sixth plate.

HOUSING. Full push-button case with some wear.

CONDITION. Old glass replaced with high-quality, hand-cut borosilicate glass by Derek French. Resealed. Gray spot just below her neck.

APPEARANCE. An aesthetic masterpiece.