Pair antique 19th century, early 1840s (circa 1840-44), ninth plate daguerreotypes depicting an old man and woman, presumably husband and wife. Both persons photographed are quite old, with the man looking well into his 70s or 80s and the woman looking over 60, and were undoubtedly born in the 1700s. These images appear to be very early (pre 1845) and are slightly out of focus which was typical of many very early images as the Daguerrists were still experimenting with lenses and focusing. One can also note the very shallow depth of field in each (notice the tiny, perfectly round, pinpoints of light reflected in the eyes of each subject) as well as a very focused light source shining down on the gentleman at an angle from above. An online source references this as “blast lighting” where the sun were reflected off of mirrors into the studio and directly onto the subject. Both protected behind their original glass and gold mats and are sealed in their original paper seals. The glass used to cover each dag is also quite crude and primitive with uneven edges; another tell tale sign of age. Both come housed in a handsome leather full case with rose motif and gold gilded boarder, I believe the dags were cased later for the case looks to post date the images. Both dags originate from the same estate, and judging by the seals, the same photographer. In Good/As Found overall condition. Images are clean and free of wipe marks. Bothe exhibit tarnishing around the edges. Seals are clean and holding firmly. One chip to the top right glass of the gentleman which most likely occurred when it was being cut. Case is clean with minimal wear but split in two at the hinge. A great pair of potentially important early 1840s daguerreotypes. Each dag measures 2 1/2″ x 2″. Case measures 3″ x 2 1/2″ x 7/8 thick. Please enjoy the photos for further item details and if you have any questions feel free to ask. Thank you and be sure to check out our other listings! This item is in the category “Collectibles\Photographic Images\Photographs”. The seller is “massachusettsantiques” and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Antique: Yes
- Photo Type: Daguerreotype
- Signed: No
- Color: Black & White
- Date of Creation: Pre-1850
- Original/Licensed Reprint: Original
- Framing: Matted & Framed
- Region of Origin: US
- Subject: Historic & Vintage
- Modified Item: No
- Vintage: Yes
- Size Type/Largest Dimension: Small (Up to 7\
- Type: Photograph
- Listed By: Dealer or Reseller
- Original/Reprint: Original Print
- Time Period Manufactured: Pre-1850
- Production Technique: Daguerreotype
- Country/Region of Manufacture: United States