The Esmeralda
SOLD October 2000 |
Quarter plate daguerreotype depicting an active port, probably English, 1840s. Housed in paper mat mount, overall dimensions of mount 5 x 6 inches (12x16 cm).
This dark and moody view of an active harbor centers on the Esmeralda R.V.Y.C / 129 tons, as identified on reverse of mount in a period hand. Nevertheless, in addition to the crisply rendered Esmeralda flying her British flag, this active plate is crammed with various small and large ships, including what is probably a British three deck man-of-war to the left and a multistory structure on the shoreline at right, perhaps a customs building. Upon close examination, elements of more distant buildings are visible beyond the man-of-war. While I have not entered into the necessary research, suggestions for a location include the ports of Greenwich or Portsmouth, details present in image should allow for a final determination.
Daguerreian harbor scenes are of high rarity and this is an especially compelling example.
