Opening: $500 Hammer Price: $650 SOLD Skylight Gallery 11 October 2000

Quarter plate daguerreotype, 1840s, by "Bourette," Meaux, France. In original reverse-painted glass mount and wooden frame, overall dimensions 8 x 10 inches (20x26 cm).   ( Inventory# dd5 )

The photographer's stamp on back mounting paper of this image reads "At the Golden Telescope / Place de la Grand Cerf Nr. 27 / Close to the Pont du Marché / BOURETTE / Engraver Optician / Maker of Eyeglasses / At Meaux." I have not found any further information on Bourette. Apparently his establishment was marked by a large gilt telescope or a sign on which one was painted. Despite the many hats he wore and his concern with elements like the beautiful gilt mount, Bourette was an excellent daguerreotypist; this image shows tones and fine details well out of the ordinary.

The title of the book resting on table is reversed but legible and appears to be in Latin.

Label reads "A la Lunette d'Or / Rue da Grande Cerf No. 27 / Pres le Pont du Marche / BOURETTE / Graveur Opticien / Lunetier / a Meaux".

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