Woman by a Window
SOLD May 2002 |
Sixth plate daguerreotype of a woman posed near the photographer's window, ca. 1850. Archivally resealed with recut period mat, housed in full case with split spine.
Originally housed in a fancy mat which covered the open window and which has left traces of its presence around the edges of plate. Lighter tones on the plate are not strong, perhaps this was the daguerreotypists motivation for positioning the sitter immediately next to an open window. However showing the sitter next to his unadorned studio window would probably have seemed undignified to the daguerreotypist, who was careful to use a covering mat. To modern eyes, however, the interest of the piece lies in just this composition. Part of the Scovills Mfg. Co. Extra plate mark is visible lower left, and there are a few stray abrasions and plate flaws.
