Anonymous American Photographers

2 sixth-plate daguerreotypes of A Mother and Father Mourning Their Baby and A Sister and Her Brother, the first hand-colored, each cased, 1840s (2)

A Sister and Her Brother - This piercing portrait of a young girl resting her hand upon her brother's head is nearly flawless and clean. There is a thin border of tarnish following mat's border. Upon very close examination, a tiny spidery accretion is visible on the girl's arm. This plate has a new seal, and the old seal remnants are behind the plate in the case. The following is written in an unidentified hand in pencil on the new seal: 'resealed and cover glass replaced 5/1/90' and 'plate marked Scovilles.' The maroon leather case features a grape and vine motif, and the purple velvet pad is stamped with a leaf design. The case is lightly worn along its edges. A Mother and Father Mourning Their Baby - This intimate portrait of a mother and father cradling their newborn is in very good condition. Delicate hand-tinting has been applied to the sitters' cheeks. In raking light, tiny matte and rust-colored adhesions are visible overall. This plate has a new seal, and the old seal remnants are behind the plate in the case. There are adhesive remains on the reverse of the plate, likely from when the plate was buffed in preparation for exposure. The leather case is scratched and worn, with small losses of along the edges. The leather hinge is cracked and brittle, but remains intact.
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 second image in this lot may be found in our online catalogue.