Anonymous American Photographer

quarter-plate daguerreotype, sealed, cased, with inscriptions and date in a contemporary hand in pencil inside the rear cover, 1840s

Stanley B. Burns, Mirror Mirror: The Burns Collection Daguerreotypes (New York: The Burns Archive Press, 2012), pl. 113

Stanley B. Burns, A Morning's Work: Medical Photographs from The Burns Archive & Collection, 1843-1939 (Santa Fe, 1998), pl. 1

This exquisitely-rendered portrait exhibits a phenomenal level of detail and remarkable care has been taken in arranging this tableau. The finely dressed sitter's arm rests on stacked medical books in front of a display of scalpels and other operative instruments. The sitter's suit appears almost solarized in the lower right corner of the image. Overall, this plate is clean and legible. There is unobtrusive minor, uneven tarnish at the edges along the window of the mat. Upon close inspection, 3 pen-point-sized light-rusted colored spots are visible near the lower-left edge of the image. There are a few dark accretions on the textured octagonal brass mat. The original paper seal remains largely intact but detached, except where it is still affixed to the lower edge of the plate. The remnants are housed behind the plate. There is a modern seal along the other edges. The case is intact, but rubbed overall. The spine appears to be splitting slightly and there are small losses of leather along the edges.
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 laterally-reversed lettering on the spine of the book in this daguerreotype advertises ‘Hooper’s Dictionary.’  The Roll of the Royal College of Physicians of London, commonly known as Munk’s Roll, lists Dr. Robert Hooper (1773-1835) as ‘a man of immense industry, a sound practical physician, and a good writer’ (Volume III, p. 29).  He authored no fewer than 12 books on medical subjects, including A Compendious Medical Dictionary, containing an Explanation of the Terms in Anatomy, Physiology, Surgery, Materia Medica, Chemistry, and Practice of Physic.  Hooper’s medical dictionary was widely published throughout the 19^th century and it was a valuable portable resource for physicians of varying specialty. 

This exquisitely-rendered portrait of a physician with his operative instruments exhibits a remarkable level of detail.  The sitter’s piercing gaze, the folds of his elegant three-piece suit, and glint of light on his satin necktie all appear with exceptional clarity. Remarkable care has been taken in arranging this tableau.  The sitter rests his arm on medical dictionaries, his hand pointing down to the tools of his trade.  Before the era of the hospital operating theatre, doctors carried their own instruments from patient to patient, and in the present operative roll kit we see forceps, curved scissors, curette, blades, and probe.