Anonymous English Photographer

quarter-plate daguerreotype, hand-tinted, sealed, cased, late 1840s or early 1850s

Acquired in London, 2011

Stanley B. Burns, Mirror Mirror: The Burns Collection Daguerreotypes (New York: The Burns Archive Press, 2012), pl. 133

The sitter in the daguerreotype offered here exhibits a high level of detail, notably his wiry beard and mustache, his direct gaze, and the defined veins and musculature of his hand resting upon his camera. The sitter's cheeks, hand, and the patterned tablecloth beneath the camera are tinted a rosy blush color. This plate is in generally very good condition. As is visible in the catalogue illustration, there is characteristic tarnish around the edges of the image, following the line of the mat. There are scattered tiny dark spots, primarily in the upper portion of the image, which are visible when examining the plate closely. Clear deposits in the lower portion and dust appear to be on the underside of the glass and not on the plate. This plate has an old seal that is largely intact. The maroon leather case is scratched overall.
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.

English daguerreotypes of an artist with his camera are exceedingly rare.