Lot 33
  • 33

Anonymous Photographer

Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • Anonymous photographer
  • A Group of Distinguished Women
  • half plate daguerreotype with hand-tinting
half-plate daguerreotype, with hand-tinting and gilt-detail, red velvet and brass mat, sealed, cased, mid-1850s

Condition

This charming half-plate daguerreotype ensemble portrait is essentially in excellent condition. The image sets forth a great level of clear detail, from the variety of textured fabrics, to the sheer gauze of the leftmost sitter's sleeve, to their lace collars, to the ornate carvings of the chairs. Some of the handwork visible on the plate is as follows: the rightmost sitter's gown is tinted a robin's egg blue; the patterned tablecloth is tinted a deep red; the hair of the middle-sitter is tinted auburn-blonde; the cuff of the leftmost sitter is tinted a vivid purple; the sitters' rings, choker, and book are heightened with gilt. A rosy flesh-tone is conveyed with masterful tinting of the sitters faces, lips, and hands. Along the upper edge, three small halos are only visible upon close examination and do not detract from the considerable impact of this ensemble portrait. A very narrow line of tarnish is visible on the plate, following the outline of the oval mat. The plate is sealed beneath a red velvet and brass mat. The reverse has an attached original frame stand. The leather case is worn at the edges and scratched overall. The leather's rich green color has darkened with age. The joints have been reinforced with leather tape.
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

The hand-coloring of this plate is exceptional, from the robin's egg blue of the rightmost sitter's gown, to the deep red patterned tablecloth, to the vivid purple cuff of the leftmost sitter.  Their rings, choker, and book are heightened with gilt.  A rosy flesh-tone is conveyed with masterful tinting of the sitters faces, lips, and hands, and the hair of the middle-sitter is tinted auburn-blonde.

The style of this daguerreotype, and its mat and leather case, strongly suggest that it was made by a French daguerreotypist.  The portrait shows its subject in refined French fashion of the era.  The plate, sealed beneath a red velvet and brass mat, is designed to be viewed not only in its case, but also upright with the attached original frame stand or hanging from a hidden brass hook.