Portrait by Vaillat, 1852
SOLD October 2013 |
French quarter plate oval daguerreotype of gent by E. Vaillat, Paris, circa 1852. Plate bears Vaillat's signature stamp lower right reading "Vaillat / 1852". Housed in a well-preserved pushbutton presentation case which allows for the image an its velvet surround to be removed from case and displayed upright on a desktop or mantelpiece, or to be hung on a wall. Overall dimensions of case approx. 5 x 4.25 inches (13x11 cm).
This fine piece bears the Vaillat signature-stamp on plate for the year 1852. The daguerreotype is in excellent condition with traces of applied color in flesh tone.
Exterior of the leather pushbutton case has some wear to leather, otherwise the case is in excellent condition. French cased images were not often presented in cases but more generally in wall frames. This case bears a burgundy silk pad facing image and similarly colored velvet surround around the image which is presented in medallion fashion. Above the image's velvet housing is a small brass ring which allows the housing to be easily removed from case; once removed it can be hung by same brass ring on a wall. Alternatively, folding out a support leg attached to reverse of the velvet housing allows it to be displayed upright on a desk or table top.
