Lot 73
  • 73

Anonymous American Photographer, possibly Montgomery P. Simons

Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • Anonymous American Photographer, possibly Montgomery P. Simons
  • AFRICAN AMERICAN WITH STEER
  • Daguerreotype
half-plate daguerreotype, with hand-coloring, cased, circa 1849

Condition

This impressive half-plate daguerreotype is remarkable not only for its unusual subject, but also its excellent condition. Reddish-brown tinting enlivens and highlights the bullock's musculature, and subtle yellow and green tinting adds depth to the surrounding foliage. An uneven, thin, faint border of tarnish follows the mat's octagonal shape. Minor scratches and rubbing are visible where the plate may previously have been covered by a large oval mat. There are a few tiny matte and rust-colored areas overall. This does not detract in any way from the plate's fine appearance. The back of the plate is silvered, suggesting that it was electroplated with an additional layer of silver by the daguerreotypist. The plate has a new seal, and the original seal is no longer present. The case is rubbed and worn at its edges, and it appears to have a modern red leather hinge.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

This impressive half-plate daguerreotype is notable for its unusual subject: an African-American man steadying a bull or steer.  Reddish-brown tinting highlights the bullock’s musculature, and subtle yellow and green tinting adds depth to the surrounding folliage.  The African-American worker harnessing the animal was likely not its owner and may, indeed, have been a slave.  His face may originally have been obscured by a larger oval mat.

While the authorship of this daguerreotype is not confirmed, it is possibly the work of Philadelphia daguerreian Montgomery P. Simons, who spent time in Charleston, South Carolina, in the winter of 1849 and later in Richmond, Virginia (cf. Laurie A. Baty, ‘ “. . . and Simons.”  Montgomery Pike Simons,’ The Daguerreian Annual, 1993, p. 185, fig. 3).