Lot 21
  • 21

Anonymous American Photographer

Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • Anonymous American Photographer
  • A GENTLEMAN AND HIS DOG IN A BUGGY
  • Daguerreotype
half-plate daguerreotype, sealed, cased, 1840s

Provenance

Collection of Abraham Stransky, New York

Sotheby's New York, 18 April 1996, Sale 6827, Lot 14

Condition

This half-plate daguerreotype of a top-hatted gentleman and his dog perched atop a buggy is rendered with extraordinary clarity. The wheel spokes and the horse’s harnesses are clearly delineated, as is the soil. The driver gazes down at his dog, who, like the horse, remained remarkably still for the duration of the exposure. Houses and other structures can be made out in the horizon to the left of the horse and to the right of the sitter. This plate is clean overall and in generally very good to excellent condition. There is a thin border of tarnish at the mat's periphery, primarily along the lower edge. Dust and possibly tiny adhesions appear to be trapped between the plate and the glass. Upon close examination, a small rust-colored area on the horse's hind leg and a tiny green accretion near the left edge are visible. This plate is sealed with an old, very possibly original, paper seal.
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.