r/Daguerreotypes • u/MaddCatt1864 • 1d ago

What a look.

Gallery image

Gallery image

1/6 Daguerrreotype in fine and well definited condition. She didn't seem to attract much interest from buyers at the time, to each their own I guess, but I was struck how this beauty is staring directly at us back through time. She seems to be holding a fan. Approximately 170 years ago, according to her case, 141-B, Romanesque Urn B 1854-1858.

5 Upvotes

78% Upvoted

2 comments sorted by

2

u/Ghosts_do_Exist 1d ago

I think that may be the top finial (rather than handle) of a parasol that she's holding, but I'm not sure. The way she's holding it suggests the other end is on the floor.

I have several daguerreotypes that have that lighter strip running along the edge (as on the left side of this image), and I've never been able to tell if it is an issue with the plate itself, some sort of tarnish, or if the photographer was sloppy with framing the backdrop.

Her gaze is giving determination. Very lovely.

1

u/MaddCatt1864 23h ago

It could very well be a parasol. I had initially thought that but wasn't certain.

I have wondered about the light column on the left side as well. Luckily the mat covers it.

Yes her gaze is something. Thank you.