Anonymous American Photographer

sixth-plate daguerreotype, with a modern seal, cased, titled in an unidentified hand in ink on a slip of paper laid into the case, 1850s

The suspension bridge at Saint Anthony Falls, on the upper Mississippi River in Minneapolis, was built in 1855 and connected Minneapolis to Nicolett Island. The bridge was demolished in 1876. The Minnesota Historical Society has in its collection a half-plate view of the bridge, made from nearly the same vantage point as the daguerreotype offered here. Unlike the plate offered here, however, the Historical Society's plate (cat. # MH5.9 MPH4.21 p. 5) shows the scene with snow on the ground. It is reproduced in Beaumont Newhall's "The Daguerreotype in America" as plate 36. This daguerreotype is in the horizontal format, an orientation less frequently seen in the sixth-plate size than in other formats. The image is bright and clear and filled with detail. The depth-of-field exhibited by this daguerreotype is remarkable: objects in the foreground, middle ground, and background are all in crisp focus. When examined closely, a shallow raised spot can be seen in the lower right quadrant, as if the plate had been lightly dented from behind. The customary tarnishing is present around the mat but does not trespass into the image to any great extent. The plate is sealed with modern white paper tape and additional clear adhesive.
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.

The suspension bridge at Saint Anthony Falls, on the upper Mississippi River in Minneapolis, was built in 1855 and connected Minneapolis to Nicolett Island.  The bridge was demolished in 1876.  The Minnesota Historical Society has in its collection a half-plate view of the bridge, made from nearly the same vantage point as the daguerreotype offered here.  Unlike the present image, however, the Historical Society's plate (cat. # MH5.9 MPH4.21 p. 5) shows the scene with snow on the ground.  It is reproduced in Beaumont Newhall's The Daguerreotype in America as plate 36.